ODB: Upside Down

/6 Comments/in , /by

January 16, 2013

READ: Isaiah 55:6-13 

My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. —Isaiah 55:8

There are a lot of things that intrigue me about Jesus. One of the aspects of His ministry that has always produced jaw-dropping, head-scratching responses is His upside-down teaching about life.

As we journey through life, we may get to the point where we think we’ve got it figured out and our thought patterns and responses for navigating through life are deeply engrained. Yet Jesus interrupts us in the midst of our routines and calls us to a new and better way. But beware! This encounter with the ways of Jesus will be challenging.

Consider these paradoxical propositions: to live you must die (Mark 8:35); to gain you must give (Matt. 19:21); “blessed are those who mourn” (5:4); to rule you must serve (Luke 22:26); and suffering has purpose (5:10-11).

It is pronouncements like these that make people think Christ is strangely out of touch. But we are the ones out of touch. He is not upside down, we are! We’re like children who think they know better than their parents what is best.

No wonder God has told us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isa. 55:8). So, rather than relying on our mixed-up instincts, let’s ask Him to help us reflect His ways.

— Joe Stowell

Lord, You know what is best, and You desire to lead
us in paths that are right and good. Give us the
courage to trust and to follow You in the ways
of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Amen.

What may seem upside down to us is right side up to God.

Source: Our Daily Bread

6 replies
  1. Shonde Gbenga
    Shonde Gbenga says:

    I love this message. It is so true. Because HE is d Alpha and Omega, the One who knows the end right from the begining.
    I pray for the grace to follow HIS leading no matter how awkward it may seem.

  2. Lumta
    Lumta says:

    It’s strengthening me to wait for what God has promised me the plans for His own glory. Amen!

  3. min xiong
    min xiong says:

    (Matthew13:7,18-19,20-21)
    Thank God,there is a viewing for this evening,may God help me to make the right decision,according to his will,Amen.Unable to take new job,due to previous employer did not cancel employment registeration with the authority,only 1 part-time post and 1 full-time post allow,pray that employer will cancel the my employment with the company(have message 2 times to office staff),Amen

  4. min xiong
    min xiong says:

    (Matthew12:7,18-21)
    I’m not feeling well today,have taken cough mixture(bought last year),hopefully can recover today,Amen.Due to weather,drops of rain fall on area i work at work place(outside guardhouse),also took wrong food(dry chiili chicken meat),not enough sleep,need to drink more plain water.God bless

  5. juann
    juann says:

    God, I want to change school and my course. I truly regret and guilty about the choice that I had make last time. I’m sorry for no obey Your command before make the choice. God, I want to have a new beginning in a new place and environment. God, please help me and bless me. I need Your blessing and mercy upon me. Amen.

  6. min xiong
    min xiong says:

    (Revelation2:10-11)
    May God heal those affected,injured during the flood in Jakata,heal their mind,spirit,soul.body.May their home be restore as usual in order to have a proper place to rest,also life will be better,work will resume to normal,smooth delivery of shipment,pray in the name of Lord Jesus,Amen.
    Thank God,have details of cooking preparation class,may God help me to make the correct decision,Praise God,the great healer,hopefully cough be healed totally,also forgive our sins,and help us to forgive others,Amen

Comments are closed.