Turning the World Upside Down
Scripture Reading — Acts 17:1-9
"These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here." Acts 17:6
Throughout history, the Middle Eastern world has been turned upside down many times. The rise of every new military ruler in antiquity was followed by a change in the language, culture, names, and lifestyle of the peoples of the then-known world. Sargon, Hammurabi, Tiglath-Pileser, Nebuchadnezzar, Neco, Cyrus, Alexander, Julius Caesar--all were great leaders who turned the world of their day on its head.
But who are these religious preachers who are described as having "caused trouble all over the world" or "turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6, RSV)? Paul and Silas were world changers because of the content of the message they spread throughout the Roman Empire. Both the message of salvation in Jesus and the miraculous signs that accompanied this message shook the foundations of Roman society. The powerful testimony and living faith of believers led people everywhere to question their religions and lifestyles. Paul and Silas were perceived as a clear and present danger to the religious and political status quo.
Are the members of our family, our neighbors, our coworkers, and the community around us blessed and challenged by our lifestyle and testimony?
Am I a world changer, or am I a Christian changed by the world?
Lord make us all into world changers today. May our lives and testimony help bring many people to you. Give us the strength to be your faithful witnesses. Amen.
About the author — Paul M'pindi
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