The World is Upside Down (John 3:3-4)

On the wall in my office is a map of the world. It is not the conventional view of the world; the northern hemisphere is placed on the bottom and the southern hemisphere is on top. It takes most people a few seconds to readjust their orientation. When I ask them what they think of this map, their usual reply is, “The world is upside down.”

Of course, it is all a matter of perspective. In space, there is no up or down. Maps have conventionally featured the northern hemisphere on the top since most of the history of the world has been directed by its countries and citizens. Our maps reflect an ethnocentric view of the world and this view may lock us in to a particular frame of thinking, limiting our options in decision making. The map is there to remind myself and others that when we confront a problem, it may be helpful to view the same situation from a different perspective.

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”
John 3:3-4

Nicodemus, a member of the powerful Sanhedrin, secretly came to Jesus at night, seeking truth. But his world view was hindered by his upbringing and education. He witnessed the miracles that Jesus performed but could not view the actions in the proper perspective; they bore witness that Jesus was the Son of God. And when Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again, Nicodemus could not go beyond his literal understanding of the word.

How often have I, like Nicodemus, failed to grasp the depth of God’s teaching? My understanding is limited and hindered by my preconceptions of how life should be. Too often, I am unwilling and too arrogant  to come before God in humility and ask Him to illuminate His Word through His Holy Spirit.

If you have confessed your sins, truly repented from them, and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have God’s Holy Spirit indwelling within you. It is only through His Holy Spirit that we are able to gain a new perspective on life. It is an eternal perspective with our ultimate goal to be with Him in Heaven. It is a perspective that will turn your world upside down!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.