Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Topsy Turvy Theology - Luke 9:37-50

Episode Summary

In a topsy turvy world, everything seems upside down, confused and strange. Some of the things Jesus says in this passage appear that way.

Episode Notes

Topsy Turvy – upside down, confused, inside out, wrong way around, doesn’t fit my perceptions, a paradox, not the way things are done or understood. 

Topsy Turvy theology is how I would describe today’s lesson
Coming off the mountain to discover we are still not up to par

1. Complaint, or comfort? 
   Taking time 
   End result is to glorify God as opposed to anger and disappointment
2. Second time of preparing disciples for what is to come 
   No understanding though it is plain English. How do our preconceptions interfere with the clarity of our communication? 
   Death brings life? Doesn’t life preceded death? 
   It’s all upside down, back to front. Most confusing. 
3. Vying for position: power and authority based on accomplishments 
   Children have no power or authority or experience 
   They are not concerned with financial situation, taxes, provisions 
   They have no major responsibilities  
   They are free to dream imagine and play, unaware of lurking dangers
4. The last one is even more confusing:  how do we know who belongs to the Father?  Do they meet the right criteria? 
   Who is responsible for what went wrong, judging and punishing 
   Leaving up to God what is God’s responsibility 
   Caring for proper order
5. Conclusion:  the church needs a revival of faith in God, a revival in prayer and a revival in spiritual power. All of this comes from a love of God and Jesus resulting in a love of those he created. 
6. Prayer for all who hear this message.  
   Take comfort in the words of Jesus 
   Death to self and pride leads to life and hope beyond our control 
   Trust Jesus as children trust their parents – in Christ there is power and authority 
   Who is with us? Be careful haw we judge the ones Jesus loves.