-July 13, 2023-
Good morning, happy Thursday,
“But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, ‘These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.’”
(Acts 17:6).
There was quite an uproar in Thessalonica over the evangelists who came to town preaching the gospel of Christ. The Jews stirred up large crowds against the servants of the Lord. Their accusation included the amazing statement, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” They also accused them of acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar and saying that Jesus was a king.
Their accusation was really a backhanded compliment. The believers did turn the world upside down with the life changing message of the gospel. The definition of a backhanded compliment is as compliment that is not really a compliment at all. In the case of the believers, it was a testament to their zeal in sharing the gospel of the risen Christ.
When sin entered the world, all creation was affected by the fall. Our world today is also very affected by sin. We as believers must work together to turn the hearts of people to the Savior. When God created the world it was perfect and right side up. We are actually used of God to turn the world around right side up again as God intended it to be. Our message may not be popular, but it needed.
I have a book in my library entitled, “Turning the World Upside Down.” It traces the modern missionary movement. The writer said, “The modern missionary era, however, virtually commenced with William Carey in the 18th century, and in the last two centuries have seen the spread the gospel over practically every known land.” May the Lord help each of us to do our part as missionaries in our small corner of the world. Our witness and testimony makes a huge impact on those around us. We may be mocked, rejected, and persecuted for our faith in Christ, but we carry on undeterred. Christians in quite a few countries are being put to death for being Christians.
Have a blessed day speaking and living for Jesus. Stay safe and healthy.
Turning the world upside down,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 