UPSIDE DOWN THINKING!

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

UPSIDE DOWN THINKING!

“Upside down” can be found in the King James Version  five times. I was surprised myself to discover this after a brief search. You can take a look yourself at 2 Kings 21:13; Psalm 146:9; Isaiah 24:1; Isaiah 29:16 and Acts 17:6. I chose to zero-in on Isaiah 29:15 & 16 and found what I think I was looking for. Let’s take a look.

Isa 29:15-16

15 Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?

16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?

In his notes, Mr. Barnes’ comments on verses 15 and 16 is worthy of our attention. “That is, [they] who attempt to conceal their "real" intentions under a plausible exterior, and correct outward deportment. This is most strikingly descriptive of the character of a hypocrite who seeks to conceal his plans and his purposes from the eyes of people and of God. His external conduct is fair; his observance of the duties of religion exemplary; his attendance on the means of grace and the worship of God regular; his professions loud and constant, but the whole design is to "conceal" his real sentiments, and to accomplish some sinister and wicked purpose by it. They deemed mere formality to be all that was required. They attempted to conceal their plans even from Yahweh; and everything in the opinions and practice of the nation had become perverted and erroneous.”

It has become expedient both in business and in politics to become “religious.” Talk of revival and renewal are peppered liberally with expletives and home grown theology. Mr. Barnes thinks it might be to “accomplish some sinister and wicked purpose by it.” It seems obvious that Mr. Barnes is somewhat suspicious of the syrupy sweetness of some overtly religious people!

The danger of pretending to believe truths not truly held is “upside down” thinking. As we see in Isaiah 29:16 the clay becomes self animated and rises up in sarcastic rebellion against the Potter. The framed structure devises insurrection against the carpenter accusing Him of having flawed plans. The whole image resembles the upside down ship in the movie “The Poseidon Adventure.” You have to be careful not to trip over the chandeliers.

Isa 5:20

20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

“Efforts to attach the floor to the ceiling have met with some success but there is a noticeable sag.”

Dear Lord, help me to challenge the modern, cultural moralizing with the revealed truth of the Word of God. Then give me the courage to live right side up. AMEN