In high school and college, whenever a teacher or professor repeated something more than once, I always made note of it. I figured the repetition meant that it was of extra importance. And the important stuff always ended up on the tests.
A few days ago, while reading through the book of Matthew, I noticed the repeating of an important truth that The Message refers to as The Great Reversal.
It first appears at the end of Matthew 19 after an encounter that Jesus has with a rich and powerful young man.
This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first. - Matthew 19:30 (MSG)
It is repeated in the very next chapter after a parable that Jesus uses to describe God’s kingdom.
Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first. - Matthew 20:16 (MSG)
I’m going to spend time thinking about The Great Reversal. He repeated it for us. It must be important.
We wrapped up the One Prayer series at church this weekend with a message by Pastor Chris Ryan titled Make Us Contagious.
Pastor Ryan reminded us with Matthew 5:14-16 that God wants us to be contagious.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
- A Contagious Life Starts With Awareness
Awareness of our responsibility.
Awareness of our opportunity.
Christians are Plan A. There is no Plan B.
- A Contagious Life Shows Through Authenticity
People want to be around people who are real.
People aren’t interested in what you say until they see who you are.
- A Contagious Life Spreads Through Action
Our actions are the proof of what we believe.
My takeaway questions….
- Am I aware of my responsibility? my opportunity?
- Am I being real? authentic?
- Do my actions line up with what I say I believe?
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