It’s been said that Jesus flipped the world upside down when He brought Heaven down to Earth. A perfect example of this was illustrated in the fifth chapter of Matthew when He was teaching His disciples about what it looked like to embody Kingdom living long before they entered eternity. He used a series of seemingly contradictory statements to paint the picture that though His way of life on Earth was completely opposite of what people were used to, it would ultimately bring about the abundant life He promised and glorify the Father in Heaven.
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds.”
The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:3-12, MSG
Food for thought: where might you flip your thinking “upside down” so you can walk out Jesus’ BEST for your life?