My congregation pulled a good prank on me last year on the Sunday after April Fool’s Day. They somehow got the word spread around for everyone to sit in a different place for church. Those who usually sit way in the back were now sitting up close to the front. Those who sit close to the front were now on the back pews. Those who sat on the right hand side moved over to the left hand side. Balcony people sat on the main floor and many who usually sit on the main floor now were sitting in the balcony.
It threw me for a loop. When I walked into the sanctuary to begin the worship service, I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. It was Bizarro World at First United Methodist Church. They really pulled a good one on me.
All of this made me think of a statement in the book of Acts in the New Testament, referring to some of the first believers in Christ: “But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some believers to the rulers, crying out, ‘These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.’” (Acts 17:6)
I believe that is what believers in Christ are called to do: in a positive way to “turn the world upside down.” To make a real difference in our families, our schools, our neighborhoods and our community.
Let’s join together and turn the world upside down for what is good and decent and right.