Life This Side of Heaven

Our Savior's resurrection assures us of that day when you, me and all believers in Christ will rise when He comes again in glory. It’s hard to imagine what that day will be like, but some things are abundantly clear. Will we be able to hug one another and all our loved ones who have departed in the faith? I'm looking forward to it!

Next month, the Canadian Tulip festival gets underway in the nation’s capital, Ottawa. But there’s a fascinating story that goes along with those blooms. All those bulbs are planted each year in mid to late October. There they rest, hidden in the ground, until the following Spring. You and I aren’t much different than those dusty tulip bulbs - not much to look at. Right now, it’s hard to see the splendor to come. Paul describes it this way: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” But here’s where he digs in, and gets to the nitty gritty of what Easter – and this new life that’s now ours in Baptism, is all about.

Today, funerals are often referred to as "A Celebration of Life," but they may be simply a look back at a life that's now over. What follows then is a limp encouragement to remember all those times so that we can "keep them alive in our hearts." However, that misses the best part. It overlooks an incredible promise from God and what it means that you and I have a risen Savior. Through faith, you and I, and our loved ones who have died in faith, have real life with Him right now. Easter is a celebration of the life which Jesus has won for us on the cross and the resurrection to come – and this life and celebration is ongoing!

"With fear and great joy." Isn’t that an interesting phrase to describe the reaction of the women who ran from the empty tomb on Easter morning to tell the disciples? And yet the Holy Spirit, who inspired Matthew's record of these events, ensured that he included these very words for you and me to hear as we celebrate our Savior's resurrection. It’s no accident. They point to something that’s too good to miss. Episode Artwork courtesy of FreeBibleImages.com Used with permission.

Strong words. So why did Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, describe the Gospel this way? Why is it so important to describe the message of salvation with the stark and strong words, “Christ crucified”?

When describing what our Savior has done for you and me, Paul uses an interesting phrase here in Philippians. And it’s one that really brings into focus the events of Holy Week leading up to Good Friday and Easter – and what Jesus has accomplished for you and me.

Is Palm Sunday an overhyped parade? If Psalm Sunday is celebrated, while ignoring what’s to follow on Good Friday, it can become little more than a spiritual version of a 'tailgate party,' a pep rally to get us revved up for Easter. But it's more than that. Palm Sunday is joyous reminder of why our loving Savior came and it brings into clear focus what the joyous celebration of Easter is all about.

Tomorrow is April Fool’s Day. And while it's a fun occasion to see if folks can fool others into believing something absurd, few would like to admit that they’re the one’s who have been fooled. We’d like to think that we’re smarter than that. At least, that’s what the Greeks of Paul’s day thought. And, like them, many today write off the message of the cross and resurrection of the body as foolishness. But hold that thought. Hear what the apostle assures us has come about by Jesus' crucifixion, and resurrection, and why you can trust it with confidence.

Earlier in the Gospel, John records how Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha. If you notice, he never recorded what had for lunch that afternoon. And on this day, as she and Jesus stood outside the tomb of her brother Lazarus, Martha may not have remembered what was cooking on the stove then either. But she did remember something that proved to be much more valuable – the precious words that Jesus shared with her that day. Is there anything holding you back from worship with your family this Easter?

In Ezekiel, the prophet describes for us a vision of dry bones that God connected before him – but these weren’t dinosaur bones being readied for a museum exhibit. These were human bones and this was more than a display that you might see in a museum. What Ezekiel saw before him was a remarkable promise – for him and for you and me.

Soon after landline phones started to disappear a new dilemma was discovered. And maybe you’ve experienced it. Have you lost your phone in your own home? You had it just a moment ago, but now you can’t find it. Whenever this happens to me it comes to the point where I finally have to bring this embarrassing request to my wife. And perhaps it's a request that you've made to someone close to you as well.

In recent years, folks have been paying more attention to their wake-up routines. Suggestions are given to such beneficial activities such as throwing open the curtains to let the sun shine in. As a means of reducing stress, and putting the days events in order, encouragement is given to set aside some time for mindfulness and meditation. But did you know that having a morning routine such as this has actually been around for some time? In fact, Paul points to one here in Ephesians.

For crying out loud! Chances are good that when someone’s annoyed, you may have heard them use this phrase. The season of Lent reminds us that there's a time for crying out loud, but for a number of different reasons.

Back in 1983, PBS launched a show with the goal of encouraging children to read. It was called “Reading Rainbow,” and it was hosted by television and movie star, LeVar Burton. Each episode focused on a topic from the featured children’s book for that day. And having piqued the curiosity of his young audience, he would wrap it all up with what became a signature phrase of the show, “But, don’t take my word for it.” John tells us of a woman, who having met Jesus, went home to tell everyone back in town of their Savior. And you can almost imagine her finishing with this famous phrase.

Photo filters provide a quick and easy way to enhance your images on social media to give you that unrealistic and glossy look of a movie star. The hope is to hide the sun damage to our skin, wrinkles brought on by age, dark circles under eyes from lack of sleep, scars, freckles, acne, blemishes and more. However, the thing about a filter such as this is that it doesn’t actually undo the blemishes. It simply pretends that they’re not there. Lent reminds us that we have a Savior who has something much better in mind. And it reminds to us of how God now sees you and me through faith.

It's been observed in recent years that the level of anger in our culture seems to have increased. Perhaps you’ve noticed it, too. So, the climate of discontent, that Moses describes here among God’s people in Exodus, doesn’t sound that much different from what you and I are experiencing today. But it's not always easy to distinguish anger from fear. Fear and worry tend to trigger anger. So, what was it that was making the people afraid? Moses puts his finger on it when he goes on to quote the question they were asking, “Is the LORD among us or not?” Have you ever felt tempted to ask that question as well?

“Quick, bring boiling water!” If you’ve ever watched an old western movie, or a television show from the sixties, you’ll recognize that classic line. It’s usually shouted whenever a woman goes into labor and a child is about to be born. Someone yells, “Quick, get some boiling water!” But have you ever wondered why? Nicodemus must have scratched his head, too, and wondered when Jesus told Him, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again," and then mentioned water.

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!