But when they failed to find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Acts 17:6 AMP
The pups can appear innocent at times, but when you come home and your house has couch stuffing strewn across the floor, you are aware that it’s all an act for your benefit. The area rug is in the corner, the furniture is pushed to the side and there are paw prints on your dining room table but you are greeted with wagging tails and doggie kisses. They are genuinely glad to see you but are you glad to see them? A party has taken place and you weren’t invited. The dogs have turned your house upside down.
Followers of Jesus were first called Christians in Antioch. The book of Acts records the acts of the apostles as they went on their missionary journeys spreading the good news about Jesus Christ. They did miracles, healed the sick, caused division in the “we’ve always done it this way” church, preached and were beaten and arrested. Our verse today says they turned the world upside down. Some versions say they were troublemakers.
New ideas are not always easy to accept. We run up against a brick wall when we try to do a new thing in an old place. Jesus can find the same environment in our hearts from time to time. We are comfortable in our usual routines. If we answer that altar call will he make us do something embarrassing? What will others think of us if we bow for prayer in a restaurant or offer to pray for a sick friend?
We can’t turn the world upside down for Jesus if we won’t let him first into our hearts as Lord. As we learn to trust him, we can be confident that his plans for our lives are good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). When we go out in his name on a grand missionary journey or a caring conversation with a neighbor, we might not always be welcomed but we can have the joy of the Lord knowing we are obedient. Acts 5:41 tells us, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”
Is the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart? Do you feel that overwhelming fluttering feeling during the worship music at church? Is that still small voice whispering in your ear? Say yes today and let’s turn the world upside down for Jesus!
Just Another Dog Devotion 