Sunday, October 6, 2019
UPSIDE DOWN!
“Efforts to attach the floor to the
ceiling have met with some success but there is a noticeable sag.” One morning, about ten years ago, that thought woke me up!
If it was God speaking, one has to wonder what He was talking about. I don’t
think Satan is all that smart or even philosophical. That leaves me with my own
peculiar way of thinking which comes under considerable suspicion at times. But
let’s run with it and see where it goes!
“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.
They 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 had no just views of truth. 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.
(from Barnes' Notes, Electronic
Database Copyright © 1997, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
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! So am
I.
The danger of pretending to believe truths not truly held is an “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
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