Scripture: Luke 6:25-26
How terrible for you who have plenty now, because you will be hungry. How terrible for you who laugh now, because you will mourn and weep. How terrible for you when all speak well of you. Their ancestors did the same things to the false prophets.
Thought for the Day: If you remember back to the birth narrative of Jesus, Luke shares what we often refer to as the Magnificat, or Mary’s Song. In this ballad sung to Elizabeth, Mary announced a great reversal. It speaks of the Lord pulling down the lofty and lifting up the lowly, providing good things to the hungry and sending the rich away empty (Luke 1:52ff). Once again, we find Luke using the words of Jesus to communicate a similar idea in what we call the Sermon on the Plain. I wonder if Luke is preparing his audience for what will become the greatest reversal of all — Jesus, the hero of the story, killed by the Romans. Jesus, the crucified king, risen from the dead, but not for the purpose of revenge. Instead, he returns with a message of mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation. Some have referred to it as the upside down world, but I wonder if it is Jesus turning the world right side up – turning the world back to the way it was intended to be.
Prayer: If my faith appears blah and does not disturb my life and the culture around me, I may need to hear again your message, O Lord of the Cross. Have I found myself a bit too comfortable with life and the culture around me? If so, forgive me. If so, have Jesus turn my world upside down or right side up. Whatever the case, may I be upright with you. Amen.
