Paul and Silas were teaching and preaching in Thessalonica about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of the Jews and Greeks believed their message and started to follow Paul and Silas. Some of the Jews were jealous that they were gaining a following. They attacked the house of Jason where Paul and Silas had stayed. Their bone of contention with Paul and Silas was that they spoke about Jesus Christ. Furthermore, that they were “turning the world upside down.”
So powerful and revolutionary was the message that Paul and Silas preached, with such great conviction, that this was viewed by even those who were against them, as turning the world upside down. This turning the world upside down referred to revolutionary change which would spur a spiritual revival and awakening. The disciples saw what happened to Jesus and they knew for sure that they were likely to experience death for the message which they spread.
Many disciples were stoned, beaten with whips, crucified and thrown in jail. The persecution could not stop them from changing the world. They just would not shut up about Jesus and the saving power of the cross and the blood of Jesus. They were completing their assignment no matter the cost. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19)
Brothers and sisters this assignment has not changed and our mandate is to let people know about the saving power of Jesus Christ. We have a mission in the marketplace and our schools; our universities and places of work should be different because we are there. We are called to stand out and be different and whatever we do should contribute towards the furtherance of the gospel. Remember that we are not here to stay, but we have been sent for an appointed time to accomplish God’s will and purpose.
Within us is the good news of the gospel and the power and authority to turn the world upside down. “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4)
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 