Opposite World

Thanks to a strange development in the English language, the words “flammable” and “inflammable” mean the same thing. Frequently, we use the prefix in– to mean “not,” but not in this case. The word “inflammable” is based on “inflame,” meaning “to cause to flame up.” Sometimes, things are the opposite of what we assume they should be.

Jesus taught that God’s kingdom operates in ways that seem opposite to our actual experience in the world. Those who mourn are blessed, for example, because they will be comforted. Those who are meek will inherit the earth. He includes many others whose life may not seem so blessed to us: the poor in spirit, the merciful, peacemakers, and so on.

When life as we know it functions one way, it’s a challenge for us to believe that God operates differently. Where’s the blessing in mourning? The meek don’t inherit anything; people often take advantage of them!

Part of our calling as agents of God’s kingdom is to live counter-culturally. Often in opposition to the world, we comfort those who mourn, we show mercy, we work toward peace. In a world that so often lacks these qualities, our calling is to be the opposite!

Blessings,
Pastor Paul Cook