“These who have turned the world upside down are come here too…. saying there is another king-Jesus.” Acts 17: 6b, 7b, NKJV.
Dear God, today we give you thanks for the opportunity of proclaiming Your message! Please teach us how to tell it in a way that will make a positive difference in people’s lives. In the name of Jesus we humbly pray. Amen.
This is a rather interesting story about the early Christians! Imagine, they were so powerful, that they became known as, “These who have turned the world upside down…” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christians today, could have such a powerful impact on the world, positively? Jason, in whose home the apostles Paul and Silas, were guests, was dragged before the city council, and along with other Christians were accused of proclaiming that Jesus is king! I do not believe that there could be a more worthy accusation for a Christian!
In different parts of the Bible, the Christian is admonished not to be anxious or fearful when they are wrongfully accused “for His sake.” Matthew 5: 10 assures the Christian that he or she is “blessed,” who is “persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” It sounds very much, to me, as if Jesus is saying, “When you are living in accordance with the ‘kingdom of heaven,’ you could be persecuted!” And it should be a reason to rejoice!
With great concern, and much sadness, I have seen headlines where Christians are denounced for behavior that is anything but Christian. My feeling is usually one of sadness; and reflection, “There lies [Mabel Duncan], but for the grace of God” (John Bunyan)! We are to be watchful, and very careful, about the message our lives are preaching. If we are to “turn the world upside down,” let us do it with a positive message!
In Peter’s epistle to the believers of his day, this is what he had to say: “Beloved do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy! If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you” (1 Peter 4: 12, 13, 14a, Emphasis provided). Dear friends, the problem does not consist of being dragged before the magistrates; it is the charges that are brought against us that matters. What it does for, or against, the cause of Christ; that is the issue!
In the case of Paul, Silas, Jason, and the other apostles, it was a most worthy cause! They were taken before the law for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ; they were telling the world that Jesus is King! That was “the gospel truth!” What happened in the past can happen again. Brothers and sisters, let us be on the look out. Any one of us could be the next in line. When the charges are brought against us, what will the headlines read? That must be decided today!