Turning the wold upside down.

 Reading: Zephaniah 1-3 and Acts 17

Scripture: Acts 17:6, And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,

Thoughts: I love this turn of phrase, “These men who have turned the world upside down.” When we look at Jesus’ ministry, he was the first to turn traditions and culture on its head. After around 1500 years of only having a cold law to guide them. Jesus brought life and love. Showing the value of all not just those who followed the law. The law said “tooth for a tooth” or in how I would say it, “Turn about is fair play” or “if you can’t take it don’t dish it out.” Jesus said to “turn the other cheek” I have recently heard a couple of different perspectives on this verse. First, after being hit on the cheek you were hit on is hot, you are now angry you are hot. In this instance turning the other cheek could mean to use your calm cool and collected side not the hot angry side. The second view focuses on a word in the verse in Matthew 5:39 Jesus “But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” And the word focused on was right. In that culture, they would limit the use of their left hand because of what they used it for. So, the only way someone could be struck on the right side by the right hand when people are facing one another is with a backhand. As far as I under the meaning of a backhand has not changed, it has always been a very demanding and disrespectful hit. So, in this perspective turning the other cheek is saying, hit me like an equal. Both perspectives turn the culture of the time on its head. Let’s shine God’s love to the world around us and let it be said of us that we turned the world upside down.

Prayer: Lord God you are so wonderful. I thank you for all you are doing in my life. I ask for boldness to speak when you tell me to speak the strength to be silent when you say be silent, and the wisdom to hear and listen. Help me to be a light to this broken world that your loving kindness can be known.