July 1
Are You Upside Down?
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. ––Matthew 11:12, NKJV
Jesus’ three years of public ministry challenged not only sociopolitical and cultural paradigms, but also some of the teachings in the Old Testament: adultery could be committed with the heart, not just with the body; we don’t get even with those who wronged us, we turn the other cheek; we don’t turn our prodigal sons in to be stoned, we forgive them.
This is what author and lecturer Donald Kraybill called the Upside Kingdom in his book of the same name. Meaning, the world says maneuver for what’s yours, Jesus says surrender yourself to Him. The world chases pleasure and transient “stuff,” and Jesus tells us to forsake the things of this world for a higher purpose. The world says, “look out for number one,” and Jesus tells us to put our family and friends ahead of ourselves (in healthy, non-toxic ways). Virtually everything about God’s kingdom is upside down compared to the world’s values and beliefs.
Want radical? Want revolutionary? Want your job and your friendships and your family to count for something more? Then study Jesus—the way He talked, taught, traveled, and conducted His entire life. Get ahold of a “red letter” Bible and take a few weeks to home in on just Jesus’ words and actions. Here’s radical:
- “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ––Mark 10:21
- “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” ––Matthew 7:21
- “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” ––Matthew 5:44-45
- “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” ––Matthew 7:14
Want to be radical? Get upside down. When your head is on the ground and in the dirt, and everyone else is above you, you’ll grasp Jesus’ perspective. That’s the Upside Down Kingdom.
Father, breathe your wisdom, life, and passion into these dry, jaded bones.