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REFLECTION
Turning the world upside down is the theme for our reflection. The phrase “turning the world upside down” means God’s actions can be revolutionary or radically depart from the standards and norms of the world. We shall reflect on the fact that God’s choice of Mary to be the mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, turned the world upside down.

Beloved in the Lord, according to the expectations or standards of the world, a King must hail from a royal family yet when it was time for the King of Kings to be born, God turned the world upside down by choosing a nonentity in the person of Mary. In other words, God caused a revolution in the world by making a commoner who was an insignificant maiden betrothed to a carpenter to be the mother of the Saviour of the world. In Mary’s Magnificat or song of exaltation and thanksgiving to God, she said ““My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” (Luke 1:46-52) In other words, God’s selection of Mary to become the mother of Jesus teaches us that when we humble ourselves, fear the Lord and count ourselves unworthy before Him, He will use us to Glorify Himself in a manner that will turn the world upside down. It is for this reason that Paul assures us, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Dear friend, we see that in God’s economy, the proud and arrogant are insignificant but the humble and the meek are very important, therefore, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Mary’s divine selection is an indication that you may come from an insignificant and poor background but God can change your destiny if you humble yourself before Him and walk according to His will. Let us not despise anyone in our congregations, homes and society. Some of us have become arrogant and have the habit of looking down on others because of our wealth, and academic and professional achievements. These things are God’s blessings and must not be a source of our pride and scornful attitude towards others. Some of us think very low of others to the extent that in our estimation we think such people will not become anything significant in the future. Let us be reminded that we are not God, whether or not a person becomes impactful or resourceful in the future depends on him or her and his or her relationship with God, it is for this reason, Jesus assures us that “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). Mary’s selection is not the only time God turned the world upside down, Indeed He has been in this business from time immemorial. He elevated Joseph the slave to the second in command in Egypt. Again God elevated David the Shepherd to become the King of Israel. You may have been overlooked and undermined in your family, church or at your workplace all these years but I assure you that your life is not in the hands of those who despise you, your life is in the hands of the Lord who elevated Joseph, David and Mary. Our greatest example and motivation of God elevating the humble is Jesus Christ. God exalted Jesus, the son of the carpenter, “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11). Let us remain humble before the Lord and at His own appointed time, He will use us to turn the world upside down for His Glory.

In summary, we have reflected on the theme ” Turning the world upside down” We have discovered that God’s choice of Mary to be the mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, turned the world upside down. In God’s economy, He elevates the humble to glorify Himself. Shalom.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, strengthen us to remain humble and worthy of the Lord’s exaltation. May we never look down on others but humble ourselves and share in their greatness when the Lord exalts them. May we always experience His glory through a life of humility. Amen.