Life This Side of Heaven

With a unique Greek word, Paul lets you know that whenever your conscience howls, and the adversary would have you think you’re exposed to judgement, your sins have been covered – by God Himself.

It's tempting to look at what’s recorded for us in the Old Testament as simply a collection of cautionary tales from the past, and a wagging finger, warning us what not to do. Or maybe even a sepia-toned collection of photos with little bearing on our life today. But it’s so much more than that. This account, recorded by Moses in Genesis, is as much about you and me as it is about Abraham. And it’s way too good to forget.

Although it’s still winter right now, Spring is just around the corner. And for those who keep up with the latest styles, Fashion Week is underway in Paris. This is where the industry's top designers reveal their upcoming collections in a series of shows. But in these weeks leading up to Spring there’s also another line of clothes to consider. Have a look at this series of Lenten fashions that culminates with Easter.

Have you ever played hide and seek with a small child? You can’t help but chuckle and smile. When they’re really young they’ll often put their hands over the eyes and assume that if they can’t see you then you can’t see them. It's not that much different than what Adam and Eve did when they fell into sin. And like them, we also tend to hide from God in our guilt and shame. But you and I have a loving God who calls us to repentance and asks, "Where are you?"

What exactly is temptation? Is it that chocolate cheesecake behind the glass at the bakery? Is it the urge not to report income on your taxes? Is it the coworker who stays late at the office and seems a little too friendly and available? What would you say if I told you that it’s none of these?

If I was with Peter, James and John on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured in glory, I’d want to tell everybody. So, it may leave us scratching our heads to hear what Matthew says next: As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen.” If you're like me, wouldn't you have wanted to blurt out, “Wait, what? Are you kidding? Why not?”

A few years ago, Britain’s Guardian newspaper described a tech billionaire who “is on a mission to change the world through technology – and to find a cure for death.” Ok, I’m guessing that it was the second part of that description that got you attention. If that's true, then you're going to want to hear this important Ash Wednesday announcement.

It's incredible to hear how God called Moses up onto the mountain in Exodus. If I was one of those on the plain, down below, I might have felt like asking the prophet, “What did you see? All they could see was a cloud. In most cases, folks are disappointed when a cloud obscures their view. In this case, there was a good reason.

The choice was obvious. It’s hard to imagine how it could have been easier. The answer was spelled out right there for everyone to see and the prize was in reach. But the wrong choice was made. It went on to be described as the "most epic fail, maybe of all time." Well, maybe not the most epic fail of all time. Moses describes that one for us here in Deuteronomy.

The apostle explains that there were some in Corinth saying, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos.” While we may shake our heads and dismiss this is as a part of first century fan culture, consider how we may do the same with our pastors today? It’s hard not to have favorites. However, not only can this be disruptive, it also overlooks a marvelous truth.

Imagine if calling someone an “airhead” was an offense that would wind you up in court? What would you say if by dismissing someone as a “fool” you run the risk of finding yourself in hell? Chances are good that you might smile or even burst out laughing. After all, try counting how often it happens on the nightly news. Mudslinging become an accepted part of our national conversation and a staple of social media. So, what are we to make of these admonitions from our Savior?

Valentine's Day is five days from now. And while some may chalk up the festivities to just another way for candy makers and card manufacturers to make a buck, it often serves another another useful purpose. It proves something important that Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians.

Today, it’s tempting to cast Jesus in the roll of the "fun uncle." You know, the guy who likes to loosen the requirements that Dad and Mom have set out and break the rules, that let you get away with those things you folks would never permit. It’s in this light that Jesus is mistakenly portrayed as a maverick, someone who came to shake things up and soften the harsh requirements of the law. But for those who were tempted to think of Jesus as setting aside God’s Law, nothing could be further from the truth. What we have is something much better.

Consider how necessary it is to have good headlights and salted roads when you’re driving on these dark, icy nights. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared that, in this world darkened by sin, as His redeemed children you and I are both - salt and light.

Are Christians snobby? Are pastors pretentious? That would make about as much sense as the phrase “jumbo shrimp.” Some times folks today may make the mistaken assumption that we, as Christians, are snobby. And sometimes we are. However, when we recognize our sins and need for a Savior, it's hard to look down on others when we're looking up to Him in faith. Instead, the gift of God's grace, announced in His Word, brings us to rejoice in the opportunity to share the compassion, love and salvation He gives to us.

The beatitudes, are not commands, they’re an announcement – a wonderful reminder of the reality under God’s love. It’s the proclamation that for all who find themselves in the midst of longing and grief, persecution and death. Trusting in God’s mercy, and the salvation we have in Christ, you and I have the blessings of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness and everlasting life. We are, contrary to how it might appear to others, and how it might even appear sometimes to ourselves, blessed.

Have you ever ordered a special cake from a bakery but discovered that whoever received the order didn’t understand the instructions? When it came to following the Lord’s instructions, it should have been a cakewalk for the nation of Judah. After all, it wasn’t like God hadn’t made it clear what He expected from them. So how is it that they, like you and me, have made such a mess? More amazingly, how is it that we're blessed with such a God who has mercy on us?

Christianity without Christ? Many today make the mistake of assuming that the purpose of religion is simply to help people become moral and feel good. And if that’s the case then Jesus isn’t necessary. It reduces Christianity to a pamphlet instead of a person. However, if you notice, when Jesus called the disciples, He didn’t say, “Follow this lifestyle.” He said, “Follow Me.”

As astonishing as it sounds today, this message was once considered to be foolishness. In dismissing it, many perished as a result. Now this message is credited with saving lives. You and I have a similar message and it saves lives for eternity. We have good reason to be bold in sharing it.

Into the midst of a world engulfed in the darkness of sin, Christ has come. John records, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Light has the effect of showing us who we are, where we are, and where we’re going. Take another look at what Christ has done and continues to do for you.

“Supply chain shortages.” In the last few years that group of words has gone from being an expression, rarely heard outside of business meetings, to become a now too familiar phrase. It’s what takes place when the demand for specific goods or services exceeds their supply. But Paul points to something for which there is no such scarcity.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was a good introducer. Andrew, and apparently those around him, recognized that he happened to be good at introducing people to Jesus. And you can too. It may not sound amazing remarkable at first, but it is. Here's something you and I can do that we may take easily for granted.

When John the Baptizer announced Jesus, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" Standing before them was the One God had sent to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. While that sounds like a shocking defeat, here’s the means by which God Himself would bring victory over sin and death to you and me.

It’s a deadly lie of this world, and the adversary, that along with sin comes fun. And when we’re tempted to think of God as a buzzkill who’s trying to take away our joy, the Holy Spirits leads us to say, as did Paul, “By no means!” Or in more colloquial terms, “That’s nuts.”

In Isaiah, the prophet announced these remarkable words about the Savior who was to come. He said, “A smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” Later, in Matthew’s Gospel, we hear how Jesus fulfilled this promise. It reveals the incredible love that God has for you and me, for fallen and often stumbling sinners - like you and me.

Since they emerged back in 2014, smart speakers have become quite popular. Having a voice assistant can be really helpful. However, did you know that you can now also ask your smart speaker to give you a compliment? Of course, it doesn't really mean much coming from a machine that doesn't know us. On the other hand God, who does know us, wants it to be abundantly clear exactly what He sees when He looks at you. Episode artwork by Jan van 't Hoff, copyright www.gospelimages.com and used by permission of FreeBibleImages.org

God used a star over Bethlehem to lead the wise men to our Savior. As as much as the light from that tiny star may capture our imagination, for the wise men that faded quickly in importance when they came face to face with Jesus, the Light of light Himself. Now, instead bright spotlights, there was a child and the subdued light of lanterns. But take note of how the light of Epiphany grows in brightness over the course of this new season. It starts with this tiny star in the night sky. Then, in the readings which will follow this season, we hear how God continued to reveal His Son to the world He came to save.

Did you have a good Christmas? How often have you heard that question in recent days? It’s the familiar greeting, and question to share, as you and I catch up with friends after the holidays. And there are so many different ways to answer it. However, while others were nibbling on turkey you may have found yourself at the hospital, at the beside of someone you love whose health has taken a turn. This Christmas may have found you grieving the loss of a loved one whose seat is now empty at the dinner table. When you and I are faced with turmoil or bereavement, it’s easy to slip into thinking that we no longer have anything to celebrate at Christmas. But nothing could be further from the truth. You and I have even more reason to celebrate. Here’s the very reason God sent His Son.

Yesterday was the eighth day of Christmas. In the Western ecclesiastical tradition, the celebration of Christmas begins with the birth of our Savior and continues right up to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. Coincidently it falls on January 1. But instead of simply the start of a new calendar and fireworks, Luke takes note a very significant event which almost goes unnoticed in the life of our newborn Savior.

Permacrisis. It's a new word that was coined to describe the ongoing instability and insecurity that's come as a result of a variety of disturbing and catastrophic events in 2022. However, God has given us a far more remarkable word to describe what you and I have in His Son, our Savior – for this year now closing and for the one to come.

This year the Near Infrared Camera on the the James Webb Space Telescope has snapped some awe-inspiring pictures of the stars. And one picture in particular has been likened to man's hand reaching our to God. However, the great news of the Gospel is that God hand has reached down to us and given us a Savior. Here's where we see God's love for us with astonishing clarity.

"Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen, When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even." I don’t know about you but I’ve never tasted figgy pudding, dreamt of sugar plums dancing in my head or washed down tankard of wassail. But singing about some ancient king tromping through the snow may seem most removed from our daily lives. However, the Feast of Stephen us provides more than just the setting for a catchy holiday song.

You have God’s favor. That’s an incredible announcement. It's was announced by angels to the shepherds in the fields outside of Bethlehem. And it's also God's message to you. Here's what Christmas is all about!

It's been joked, "Be nice to your children. After all, they’re going to choose your nursing home.” That’s funny and intimidating at the same time. Joseph was entrusted with the remarkable responsibility of being the guardian of Jesus, the stepfather of our Savior, and protector of His mother Mary. It was a high honor to say the least – but it must have also been very intimidating. However, the one thing that Joseph would not have been concerned about was that one day this Child would choose a home for him. No, in fact, he would have rejoiced knowing that this was the very reason He came.

Believe. Seeing this word on ornaments and Christmas decorations at this time of the year warms our hearts. This glad tiding appears each year on bobbles, mugs, and it even adorns large balloons at Christmas parades. But the question which follows is, “Believe what?”

Is this the one? That’s the struggle every family has when they’re looking for a Christmas tree – whether real or artificial. What do you look for when you go searching for that tree that’s going to hold all the family ornaments and sparkle in the corner of your living room? Everyone has their own idea in mind of what a Christmas tree should look. But then, that’s also often true when it comes to a Savior, the One on whom we hang all of our hopes. Episode artwork courtesy of MaxPixel

You have to have patience if you’re a farmer. You have to have a lot of patience if you’re a Christmas tree farmer. James makes use of this example, of the farmer and his crops, to remind us of what it’s like to count down the days until our Lord’s coming. As he points out, being patient is far different from being idle. And there’s plenty of activity to fill our days as we wait for the joyous coming of our Savior.

What brings Isaiah to marvel in this text, is neither how high a deer can jump or even whether reindeer can fly. Sure, one is remarkable and the other is fanciful, but what the prophet declares is beyond precedent. He points to the time coming when God will ensure that the lame will leap like a deer.

Do we set our hopes too high for Christmas? That depends. The reality is that your life and mine rarely resemble the ones we see in movies. However, as the Paul points out, the answer isn’t lower our expectation. The surprising reality is that we often don’t set our hope high enough.

If you’ve ever had a tree removed on your property you’ll know how annoying it can be to get rid of the stump. And there are a lot of solutions suggested in how you can get rid of them. In Isaiah’s day, the nation had been reduced to what could only be described a stump. One corrupt and idolatrous king after another had led the people astray and driven it into the dirt. But as Isaiah points out, instead of focusing on stump removal, God had something else in mind.

Have you straightened the branches on your Christmas tree? There are instructions, and even videos online, to show you how. But how do you make "straight paths" for the Lord? Episode artwork courtesy of freebibleimages.org

Just as we anxiously await the arrival of loved ones, for the holidays, we may wish we had a phone that we could pick up and ask Jesus when He’ll be here. However, instead of a phone, God has given us His Word and with it a wonderful reminder of what this Season of Advent, which focuses on our Savior's coming, is all about.

Can you think of a skill that you learned back in school that you thought you would never use? Did you go on to discover that it was useful knowledge after all? In Isaiah, the prophet describes an activity to which we can look forward on the day of our Lord's coming. But it's no surprise that He has also enabled us to begin putting some of those skills to good use right now.

Would you like a “Wake Up Call”? That friendly service offered to guests, when you check into a hotel, continues to be a valued service for travelers. As we begin this Advent Season, Paul gives us a useful “wake up call” here in Romans.

It's Black Friday. One news outlet, like many others, has come up with their "Top 10 Black Friday Shopping Tips for 2022." And if you’re among those bundling up and heading out the door today, they offer some pretty useful advice. Looking for peace? Thankfully, as Paul points out in Philippians, here’s something for which we need not shop.

“It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without …” How would you finish that sentence? Turkey, gravy, stuffing? Before you answer that question, consider all of the possibilities.

November is often a dark month. Following the summer and those seemingly endless days of sunshine, we’re now at that time of the year when the sun is rising a bit later in the morning and setting a little earlier in the evening. Chances are good that wherever your live, there may be more than a few drizzly days. And even the headlines add to the darkness. So, it's welcome news to hear Paul tell us in Colossians, “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness." But the bright, Good News, that the apostle goes on to describe is so much better than we could have imagined.

As the disciples were leaving the Temple, Luke tells us that they marveled at its beauty. So what Jesus told them next must have made their jaws drop. But what followed was an announcement of what was even bigger and better come.

Here in 2 Thessalonians, Paul encourages you and me to pray for the ongoing proclamation of the Gospel. And the language he uses to describe its spread actually comes from the Greek word meaning, “to run.” Inspired by the Holy Spirit, it’s a great phrase he uses to describe what takes place.

How should you and I wait and get ready for the day of our Lord’s return? Well, it all depends on what we’re awaiting. The One who shall come on the clouds that day is no less that Christ our Savior.