Life This Side of Heaven

Saul seemed unlikely to be the kind of guy one might expect would become a Christian. Chances are good we know folks like this as well. It’s true that only God can see inside the heart, to know whether in fact a person’s contrition is sincere and whether their repentance and faith is real. But the challenge you and I face is when we consider some to be more likely candidates for faith than others. It’s tempting to view our sins seem smaller and somehow easier to forgive. It reminds us how easy it is to take God’s grace for granted. It also brings to realize, in humility, how incredible it is that He has called you and me to faith and shows us His mercy. (Episode artwork courtesy of Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org. Used by permission.)

Christ our King has come down to us from heaven – not someone in His place, and not by parachute, but in flesh and blood. As John points out in Revelation, how He did this, what it has accomplished, and what this means for you and me this day, is what Easter is all about.

A social media post that’s making the rounds encourages readers to leave a response to a single caption asking what one thing should be deleted from this world. It's an intriguing thought. What one thing should be eliminated? What one thing, if irradiated, would change everything? In light of our Savior's resurrection, a better question might be, "Why just one?"

It would probably shock the disciple to know that for generations he’s been saddled with the nickname, “Doubting Thomas.” And each year we can’t help but shake our heads and wag our finger when we think of him. But let’s back up a moment and see if that’s fair. (Episode art courtesy of Good News Productions International and College Press Publishing. Used by permission.)

If Job was a pilot, it would not have been safe to fly through life by relying what he could see around him. Staring out and seeing only gloom and sadness would have severely impacted visibility. That may also be true for you and your current circumstances right now. Here's where you and I rely on the instruments that God has given to us of His Word, Baptism and the Lords's Supper. Here's where we canfly by faith, with confidence in our Savior's resurrection and the certainty of forgiveness and everlasting life with Him.

In the fulness of Easter joy, you and I join in the hymn and sing, “O sons and daughters, let us sing with heav'nly hosts to Christ our king: today the grave has lost its sting! Alleluia!” But if death has recently separated you from your spouse, or if you find yourself visiting the grave of a friend or loved one, you may be wondering, “If the grave has lost its sting, why do I still hurt so much?” You’ll be glad to know that our friend Paul lovingly answers that very question here in 1 Corinthians.

Remember being told that when something sounds too good to be true that you shouldn't get your hopes up? It must have felt that like in those early hours on Easter morning. However, what the angel told the women certainly changed that - for them and for us! (Episode image courtesy of Jan van 't Hoff/Gospelimages.com Used with permission.)

On this day, following the tumultuous events of Good Friday, and before the incredible announcement of Easter Sunday, Jesus was dead and buried. His body was placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. This may sound obvious, but it was so important that the early church even included it in the Creed. Each Sunday, you and I confess that Jesus “was crucified, died and was buried.”

As we hear described for us the picture of our Savior's crucifixion on Good Friday, it’s easy to see ourselves simply as patrons in a museum passing by painting with an image of something that’s far removed from our daily lives. But take a closer look.

To assure you that He had you in mind personally, when He suffered and died on the cross to take away your sins, Jesus has given us a remarkable feast, the Lord’s Supper. And with the very same words Paul uses here to describe the importance of our Savior’s death, burial and resurrection, the apostle tells us of the importance of this meal. He says, “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you." Not only has your Savior suffered and died in your place on the cross to take your sins away, but He also wants you to have the absolute comfort and assurance of the forgiveness which comes with it. (Episode image courtesy of Jan van 't Hoff/Gospelimages.com Used with permission.)

The word "Hosanna," which the crowd shouted as Jesus entered Jerusalem, means "Save now!" So, at first, the Palm Sunday joyful cry may sound like it has something in common with the anthem, “God save the Queen." And, in some ways, it is similar. It's sung with exuberance! However, it’s also quite different.

It’s a great story. As Queen Elizabeth I was passing through Greenwich, the dashing Sir Walter Raleigh stepped forward and spread his expensive cloak over a puddle so that the monarch would not muddy her royal feet. And it’s hard for this image not to come to mind when we picture our Savior’s entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But what took place this day, and this week, is far greater than a tale of chivalry.

There's a vehicle on the road that's so big and powerful that the question has been asked, "Is it a car or is it a statement?" For His entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Jesus chose a donkey, an animal which is neither big nor powerful. But you can be sure it's a statement!

“You ain’t seen nothing yet!” Have you ever head those words? Chances are that you may have even sung them. And you may be thinking that it sounds a little like what God has announced here in Isaiah.

Have you ever played “Rock, Paper, Scissors”? It’s a simple game played with your hands that brings about a random result. In love for you, God didn't play games when it came to bringing about your salvation. And it's not by random chance that you've come to hear and believe this Good News.

Have you ever scolded one of your children but another one ends up crying? Even small children recognize how sad and painful it is when a brother or sister is in trouble. In the Parable of the Tenants, Jesus delivered harsh words that are difficult to hear. We are reminded of the guilt of our sins. But there is real forgiveness in Christ our Savior – and a remarkable consolation that's easy to overlook.

There are a least three different ways to run through life. Two of them aren't much fun. But having "the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ," Paul describes this life as a runner, "straining toward what is ahead" and "pressing on toward the goal" in a way that only be described as joyful.

Here in Philippians, Paul talks about amazing travel that you and I do right where we are, and where God Himself has placed us at this time in our lives. He has just extolled the overwhelming joy of “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” And as a result, he now shares with you and me the glossy, travel brochure of most amazing Holy Land trip you and I could imagine. And you don’t even have to get on a plane.

Prior to coming to faith, Paul had amassed quite a collection of containers. No, it wasn’t a collection of rusty coffee cans for old nails and screws. It was all those things in his life in which, prior to coming to faith, he placed his confidence. All that changed with Jesus. And he wants us to know that here is where you and I can place our full confidence for forgiveness, life and salvation.

As the Father’s festive celebration upon the return of his wayward son got underway, it’s easy to assume that "The Parable of the Prodigal Son" has come to a close. And in many cases that’s where folks leave it. But in this story, which could be better described as “The Parable of the Forgiving Father,” there’s another important scene that follows and which is often forgotten. It focuses on the relationship between the father and the older son. There are actually two wayward sons in this story. (Episode image courtesy of Jan van 't Hoff/Gospelimages.com Used with permission.)

While well-known as "The Parable of the Prodigal Son," a more apt title might be "The Parable of the Forgiving Father." The actions of the foolish son hit close to home are more than familiar. It’s the amazing and unconditional love of the forgiving father that’s the focus of these famous words. (Episode image courtesy of Jan van 't Hoff/Gospelimages.com Used with permission.)

When it comes to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, it's worth noting that the word “prodigal” doesn’t actually appear in the story. And it’s not terribly useful title. It simply means “someone who spends money in a reckless manner.” Today, we would more than likely use the word, “fool.” It brings to mind the old English saying, “A fool and his money are soon parted.” But the parable isn’t about good sense and savings. It’s about relationships – the relationship you and I have with our heavenly Father. (Episode image courtesy of Jan van 't Hoff/Gospelimages.com Used with permission.)

Have you ever bought an appliance that was in less than shiny, showroom shape? The adversary works hard to make you believe that's how God sees you. Even though God has taken away your sins, the enemy would have you believe that the blemish and scars of your sins remain. Paul wants you to know that nothing could be further from the truth. You were not purchased at markdown. And just wait until you hear how he how describes you.

Imagine waking up and not recognizing anyone, the people around you, your friends, your parents, the love of your life, or even yourself when you looked in the mirror? It sounds like the plot from a movie that you might enjoy with a big tub of popcorn, doesn’t it? It's actually more familiar than you may think.

"Where there's smoke, there's fire." Have you ever heard that phrase? It’s an expression used to indicate that when one thing is present, another is sure to follow. However, in this case, it’s not very encouraging. However, Isaiah tells us what follows when the smoke and fire of judgment for our sins has been removed.

“Turn to me.” It’s a remarkable request. Here in Psalm 69, David cried out to God for help. He implores God for relief and rescue from the suffering he’s experiencing at the hand of his enemies. Jesus quoted this psalm in preparing for His crucifixion. And yet, in order to rescue you and me, it meant the Father turning away as the punishment that has brought us peace poured down upon Him.

Have you ever had a difficult time finding your way out of a parking garage? When you and I are faced with temptations, they don’t usually come when things are bright in our lives and we can see clearly. Temptations often seem to come when life feels cold, dark and uncomfortable. Like a dimly lit parking garage, it may feel like it’s difficult to see where the lines are drawn. We live in a culture where the lines are blurred between what is right and what simply feels right. Here in 1 Corinthians, Paul indicates the way out by pointing us to our Savior and the salvation you and I have in Him.

An upset means a surprising victory by team that was expected to lose. On the other hand, it also points out a stunning loss for team that was expected to win. Our coach Paul, the apostle, points to a chalkboard full of examples from the Old Testament to keep our eyes focused on our Savior.

“Fight, Flight or Freeze.” Have you ever heard of this phrase? It describes the physiological response we have to keep safe, preparing us to face, escape, or hide from danger. Facing danger, and following the destruction of the land and their exile into Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar, the people of Israel in Ezekiel's day had their own reactions to the plight that now faced them. It could be described as Defend, Debate or Despair." However, when confronted by our sins, God leads us in faith to a better response.

It's hard not to marvel at the beauty of the redbuds that start to bloom at this time of the year. They also remind this writer of the beauty of God's patience in calling me to repentance and revealing to me each day the beauty of His mercy.

The Queen’s Guard, who stand watch at Buckingham Palace are famous for their silence. In fact, they’re often as famous for their stoic speechlessness as much as they are for their bright red and black uniforms, bearskin helmets and bayonet rifles. They don’t say anything, even if tourists approach them to say “hello,” or have their picture taken. They stand watch. When God made Ezekiel “a watchman for the house of Israel,” He made clear that his calling was to speak, and not to remain silent.

The ultimate arrival for you and me, following this wilderness journey, will take place when we reach our heavenly home. But as Paul makes it clear, we are not traveling through this life with the possibility of becoming citizens. We are citizens of heaven right now. In joyful assurance through faith, the apostle wants you to know, “Our citizenship is in heaven.”

A tower under construction in the south end of Jerusalem, in Siloam, came crashing down taking the lives of eighteen people. And Jesus was aware that the popular buzz surrounding this tragedy, and others like it, was that those who were killed must have been really bad sinners who had it coming. There's a reason that we tend to think this way. But Jesus tells us that we’re looking at incidents like this all wrong. Instead of putting on our judges’ robes to guess who’s the biggest sinner he redirects our attention to where it should be.

Jesus lamented over Jerusalem and their rejection of God's love. So what did Jesus do? Jesus didn’t stop there in His sorrow. He went to the cross. He announced, “On the third day I will reach my goal.” And here’s where you and I can take our cue for this Lenten journey.

Antipas may have thought that he was as sly as a fox when the Pharisees came to Jesus with the warning, “Herod wants to kill you,” but Jesus made it clear that you have a God who wants to save you for eternal life. And in love for you, has done it!

The folks in Jerusalem were no fans of the prophet Jeremiah, and what they considered to be his constant nagging. His message was unrelenting and unremitting. What he held out before them was a persistent and painful truth that they refused to hear. And we may even take it out on a pastor or well-meaning friend who does the same. But the call to repentance is not nagging. It’s not simply a call to turn away from sin. It’s also a wonderful call to turn to God in faith in whom we find forgiveness.

“Trust your gut.” Have you ever heard that phrase? It’s an expression which means, “Trust your intuition. Do what feels right.” But think of how often easy it is for us to second guess those things that God has warned us about in His Word. When we listen to our gut, it means trusting in what we we think is good, or what feels right –instead of what God says is actually good and right.

Psalm 91 is a remarkable psalm which gives great comfort, and especially in times of distress. So, it’s ironic to hear that this was the Psalm that the devil quoted –out of context– in an attempt to dissuade Jesus from His journey to the cross. That alone makes it another good reason to have a closer look at it during this season of Lent and discover what God is actually saying in these words.

There’s a similarity in each of the temptations Jesus faced from the enemy – to doubt the Father’s love. When faced with the temptation to put that love to the test, Jesus's response instead was to place His confidence it it. Through faith, His victory is ours.

From the desert floor to the highest peak, providing a vantage point where all the kingdoms of the world could be viewed in an instant, the devil tried another tack in his bid to tempt Jesus. In in this temptation, the adversary shows himself to be the liar that he is. The temptation tossed before our Savior was this: “If you worship me, it will all be yours.” In other words, "We can call this whole battle off. You don’t have to go the cross."

It may not sound like a big temptation on the surface – turning stones into bread. As Jesus is God in the flesh, this would have not been difficult. Here’s the One, after all, who would go on to feed the five thousand with so much bread that they had to use baskets to collect up the leftovers. But the first temptation our Savior faced in the desert is about more than just a loaf of bread.

It’s often assumed that the reason the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to record Jesus’ response is for the purpose of providing instructions, the blueprints by which you and I can overcome temptation. It certainly does provide us with useful direction. But actually, it’s much more that.

Here in Romans, Paul describes two things that belong together like peas and carrots – it’s faith and confession. As Christians, we believe the Jesus has given us forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. And with joy, we tell others of our Savior and the salvation He has brought us. We outwardly confess what we inwardly possess.

In classical artwork depicting the Transfiguration, the glory surrounding Jesus, Moses and Elijah is often depicted by halos around their heads. It’s that familiar little circle of light by which the artist wants you to know that the person in painting is holy. Of course, it’s neither realistic nor helpful. So, instead of halo, imagine a hardhat. That may sound odd at first, but consider the words recorded for us here in Hebrews.

Have you ever been shushed at the library? There are sometimes when you and I shouldn’t be talking. You shouldn’t talk in library. You shouldn’t chat at the opera. And it’s never a good idea to start a loud conversation at the movies. Chances are good that someone is going to turn around and go, “Shush!” But Peter discovered another one. We shouldn’t talk when God is speaking. We will miss what He's saying.

Instead of rejoicing at the Transfiguration of our Lord, and taking it all in, Peter felt the need to state the obvious. He said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here.” It’s not hard to imagine why he would have said that. Here’s the glory with which you and I will see our Savior in heaven. And to see Moses and Elijah there with Him must have been thrilling. But there’s more to it than that.

Today is Ash Wednesday in the Church Year. It signals the beginning of the 40-day penitential season of Lent. With contrition we reflect on our sins and our need for a Savior. And the custom of having ashes smudged onto our foreheads on Ash Wednesday is a sobering reminder that one day, at the end of life, all that is left are the ashes. But you and I have a Savior who lifts us from the ash heap.

What an incredible conversation that took place at the Transfiguration. Up until this point, throughout the Old Testament, God’s people had spoken and sung about the incredible rescue He had brought them from their slavery in Egypt. As they crossed the parted waters of the Red Sea, it meant their freedom, their future, and their way to the Promised Land. But now, the exodus which Jesus was about to bring to fulfillment meant something even more incredible.

What’s a hand heart? It’s a gesture with you can make with your hands to signal your affection. To make the image even more dramatic, folks on social media will often make the gesture with their hands head up to the sky so that the sun can shine through and light up the shape of the heart. And here's a handy way for you and me to view the bright glory that was revealed in Jesus as the Transfiguration.

In Psalm 3, David invites us to find our delight where he has found his. In Jesus, you and I can rejoice and sing with him, “I’ve found my delight.”