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Turning the Upside Down World Upside Down posted by jwatson on Jan 12, 2016
On my desk there is a hand holding a globe, symbolizing that God holds our world in His hand. Job 12:10 states it succinctly: “In God’s hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”
Since the globe is somewhat fragile, when I packed it to move, I disassembled it, taking the globe off of the post holding it in place. Moving into my new office, I reassembled it, placing it on the corner of my desk. When my boss sat down in my office, it caught his eye and, upon examining it, he informed me the globe was upside down.
When he left, I started the correction procedure, when an episode from the book of Acts came to mind. It records one of the most intriguing charges brought against the disciples: “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also” (Acts 17:6). How did they turn the world upside down? One, and only one way: Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, what their opponents meant as a criticism is actually a compliment in the eyes of God.
This phrase provides a great picture to formulate a three-sentence review of the entire Bible:
- Sentence #1 – God created the world and it was right-side up.
- Sentence #2 – Sin entered the world and turned it upside down.
Before stating the third sentence, you need to hear (and see the visual image in your mind’s eye) this formula:
When you turn that which is upside down, upside down, it is right-side up.
- Sentence #3 – Jesus came to save sinners, and when they are saved, He turns their upside down world upside down so now they are right-side up!
By the way, the globe on my desk is still upside down. I decided to leave it that way…it is a reminder to me of the job the Lord has given to us. Go out into this upside down world and, through proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, turn it upside down. Then it will be right-side up! And each individual’s life you turn upside down will be eternally grateful!