When Life Gets Flipped Upside Down
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
October 12th Sermon, Day 1
Have you ever had your understanding of something completely turned around? Maybe you thought you knew what success looked like, only to discover it was entirely different than you imagined.
Jesus had a way of doing this with people's expectations. In his famous teaching, Jesus presented a radical view of what it means to be blessed. Instead of celebrating the wealthy, powerful, or self-sufficient, he highlighted those who recognized their need - the spiritually poor, the mourning, the hungry for righteousness. This wasn't just a nice sentiment; it was a complete reversal of cultural values. When we come to God empty-handed, acknowledging that we don't have it all together, we position ourselves to receive something beautiful.
There's freedom in admitting our brokenness rather than pretending we have everything figured out. It's in this vulnerable place that we discover God's grace isn't earned through our performance or achievements. This upside-down kingdom Jesus described isn't about lowering standards or settling for less. It's about recognizing that true blessing comes from a different source entirely. When we stop trying to earn our way into God's favor and instead receive it as a gift, we find the peace and purpose we've been searching for. Today, consider what areas of your life you've been trying to manage on your own strength. What would it look like to approach God with empty hands, ready to receive rather than trying to earn?
Bible Verse
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3
Reflection Question
What aspects of your life are you still trying to control or perfect on your own, and how might acknowledging your need in these areas actually be a pathway to blessing?
Quote We are blessed when we recognize that we don't have it all together. We are blessed when we are impoverished and empty handed, when we come to God and could never earn ranking in the kingdom of God on our own merit.
Prayer
God, help me to embrace the freedom that comes from admitting I don't have it all together. Give me the courage to come to you with empty hands, trusting that your grace is sufficient for all my needs. Amen.
