Life This Side of Heaven

Essential workers. That’s a phrase that suddenly became a part of our common vocabulary a couple of years ago. Here in Luke, you and I get a glimpse of the nature of our Savior’s work. This included bringing aid to those who were afflicted by demons and others suffering from a variety of illnesses. But it also reveals work which, while in today's culture we may be tempted to think of secondary, Jesus considered to be urgent and indispensable.

Leading up to these words in 1 Corinthians, Paul has described just a handful of the gifts that God gives to His Church. Nevertheless, as Paul points out, none of them will remain. The time will come when they will pass away. However, there are these three gifts from God that will remain: faith, hope and love.

An enigma is someone, or something, that is mysterious or puzzling. That’s how Paul describes the way we sometimes see God’s work in our lives – although he uses a wonderful phrase to do it. He says, "For now we see in a mirror dimly." So while our vision is blurry, God gives us faith so that we can look forward in confidence to what our eyes can’t see right now.

Is it Valentine’s Day already? After all, Paul’s words, here in 1 Corinthians 13, are popular on Valentine’s Day cards. No, actually, today is Groundhog Day, February 2. However, consider for a moment what these two days might have in common.

Here in 1 Corinthians, the apostle notes how any service in Christ’s church, if it’s not done in love, then it’s just the kind of loud noise that makes you want to hold you ears. In fact, apart from love, it's hollow and pretend.

Have you ever felt that you were not equal to the task? Have you been asked to do something where you were concerned that you lacked the necessary qualifications? You may have looked around and wondered if anyone else might be more suitable for the role you’ve been asked to fill, someone with more talent. Jeremiah felt that way. Actually, so did a lot of folks in the Scriptures. When it comes to telling other the Gospel, have you ever felt like asking, “Lord, isn’t there someone better able to do this than me?” God's reassuring answer may surprise you.

Have you ever had a “hot mic” situation? That’s when a microphone has been left on, inadvertently, and continues broadcast live for all to hear. And it often captures comments or conversations that the speaker thought were private. Chances are good we would not want those around us to know the thoughts that cross our minds from time-to-time. But it’s not simply a matter of learning to button our lips and keeping it to ourselves. That simply makes us successful at turning off the microphone. God's got something even better in mind.

"A small part with a key role" is how one reporter described a tiny car part whose shortage is being felt around the world. Do you know what it is? Have you ever felt like the small part your play in Christ's church is insignificant or unimportant? You can be sure that the role you play in God's kingdom as His redeemed child, with the gifts He has given you, is neither insignificant or unnoticed. Take a closer look at how it enables you, in thanksgiving, to bring God glory and serve Your neighbor in love.

When the people were pleased to hear Jesus at the synagogue in Nazareth, He recognized that there was more to it than cheering on the local boy made good. There was a sense of entitlement. They were thrilled He was doing great things on the road. But now, what about something for the home fans? In other words, he owes us. Do ever find yourself feeling that way too?

John tell us that when Jesus read the familiar words from Isaiah the prophet at the synagogue in Nazareth, “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His lips.” And chances are good that when you and I have heard them read in church you may have smiled to hear these familiar words as well. However, it comes as a real joy to recognize who these people are to whom Jesus has brought this great prize.

When you sit in church, and hear the events and announcements that take place in the Scripture readings, do you ever find yourself not wanting to get your hopes up? God has announced His mercy, grace and forgiveness. But does it ever feel as if this may have been a one-time announcement for people in the past – but not for you? When you hear Jesus announce the Good News, that your sins are forgiven, can be sure that this includes you today?

Have you ever told yourself, "I don't deserve to be happy!" Of course, that's true when we consider our sins and transgressions. But here's what makes this all the more reason to be happy. God’s mercy, this wonderful, and undeserved gift that God has given to us by faith – is the very best reason to be filled with joy.

One of those songs that’s often taught in Sunday School, and is a real hit with the kids, is a catchy little one called, “His Banner Over Me Is Love.” It's based on a verse from the Old Testament book, Song of Solomon. In English it almost sounds like we’ve been invited to the elegant reception after a wedding and there’s a place card on the table with our name on it. But actually, the vivid language that Solomon employs paints an even more amazing picture of God’s love that we might first imagine.

John wants you and me to that Jesus' changing water into wine at the wedding in Cana was more than a miracle. In fact the word he uses to describe it is “a sign.” It points to something beyond itself. It calls for action.

At first, it may leave us scratching our heads and wondering why, for such a pivotal moment in our Savior's ministry, He did something that may sound unplanned, incidental or arbitrary. However, far from random, it’s more than fitting that the first miracle of our Savior was to provide an abundance of wine. The joyous news is that Christ has come and with Him the salvation God had promised.

On this day in Cana, a young couple came to be united in love with their whole life stretched out before them. And on this day, in their midst, was the One who had come to reunite us with God, so that through faith our eternal life now stretches out before us.

As Jerusalem lay in ruins it must have seemed, to those living exile, as the most desolate place on earth. There are times when you and I may wonder if God has deserted us and left us to face our struggles alone. There may be times, when in frustration, it feels as if God has turned His back on us and forsaken us. However, even though we certainly have deserved it, God assures His penitent people it's not true. In fact, He comes to us, in His Word this very day, to assure you of His presence, His mercy and His love. And as Christ's sacrifice for us has shown, there is never a time He will leave us deserted or desolate.

Isaiah has made an amazing announcement: “You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” However, as you look at your transgressions and sin, have you ever wondered if there has been a been a mix-up? Good News! God Himself assures you there's no mistake about it.

"Get busy living, or get busy dying.” It's the famous line from the blockbuster movie, "The Shawshank Redemption." However, because of our sins the best we could in this life is to get busy dying. In fact, the apostle reminds us that we were already dead in trespasses and sins. However, with the redemption that God has given to us in His Son, and poured upon us in our Baptism, death itself has been defeated and you and I can truly "get busy living."

It’s incredible what can be accomplished with water. With water even the the largest rocks can be pushed around and moved, carved, shattered and broken. But water has also been used to shatter our shackles to sin.

In cemeteries across the country are also the burial places of well known celebrities, sports heroes, scientists and more, So, if your loved one is buried there, they’ve been buried with some famous and influential people. Of course, while that's interesting, it doesn't change the rest of the average and ordinary folks with whom they have been buried in any way. However, being buried with Christ, as Paul reminds us, changes everything!

“How did I not know this?” That’s one of the more popular "clickbait" headlines that often appears on social media and in magazine articles. Paul puts one of those intriguing statements before us here in Romans with the question, “Didn’t you know?” It’s actually a clever way or reminding us of what we did know but may have forgotten about God's precious gift to us of our Baptism.

“Don’t shoot the messenger!” It’s a phrase that’s used whenever the person hearing bad news takes out their anger on the person who has been tasked with delivering it. Herod did that when John pointed out his sin. However, having heard the diagnosis he missed hearing the remedy God Himself has provided and that John had come to announce.

Baptisms are wonderful family affairs. Relatives get together, from near and far, for the special day. And at the end of the service, they usually remain to take group photos that become lasting memories of the happy event. No one was present with a camera or smart phone at the Baptism of Jesus, but all four of the evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, describe for us an amazing picture of what took place. And, remarkably, it can truly be described as a family affair.

It's been pointed out that one of the most important parts of memorable writing, for authors, is having characters with a rich backstories. If that's the case, then why did the Holy Spirit provide very little in the Bible which describe the childhood of Jesus? The reassuring answer rests with discovering whose backstory that Jesus came to address.

A few years ago a magazine asked it readers if they had received a baby gift when they were expecting that was "extra special or helpful." They also listed some suggestions of their own. As you may have imagined, gold, frankincense, and myrrh weren't included in that list. And many have wondered if the wise men should have brought more practical gifts. But they are actually fitting gifts for the One who came to bring to us the most practical gifts of all.

Have you ever wondered what might happen if you didn't bow to the Queen? Will you be put in stocks or thrown into a dungeon? Is it required under the law? The answer might surprise you. On this Festival of the Epiphany, Matthew records that the Wise Men bowed in the presence of our Savior. Have you ever wondered why they did this? Why do we?

After miles of tinsel, parties and the warmth of the season, many discover each year that they didn't find the joy of Christmas. They come so close but then fall short of where it's found. As the Twelve Days of Christmas draw to a close this evening, the arrival of the Wise Men provides us with specific and surprising detail on how to find it.

Here in Ephesians, Paul describes how you and I approach God and what we bring before Him. And the apostle assures that we can approach God with confidence. But it’s tempting to get the address wrong when we’re looking for that confidence. And as a result, it’s easy to get this whole delivery process mixed up.

As we continue during these twelve days of Christmas we’re reminded why He sent His Son. The celebration is more than simply a party – it’s a rescue.

You and I are blessed to know the name of our Savior – Jesus. But it’s more than the five letters that we might spell out in a song. His name is also carefully wrapped in each statement which He tells us about Him in the Scriptures, every incredible promise He has to you and me, and the salvation He has brought to us.

Have you ever wished you were Simeon? He was blessed to hold and see Jesus! But now, think about that for a moment. Although you and I don’t see Him, with our eyes like Simeon right now, you can be sure our Savior sees you. And while Simeon held the child Jesus in His arms, you can be sure this day that our Savior holds you in His arms.

On Christmas Day, NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope. With the questions of life itself in hand, researchers are peering into the darkness of space for answers. What makes it ironic that as, as we celebrate Christmas the answer has come to us as a tiny baby in manger. As John tells us in the opening words of the Gospel, in Him God has given us life, light and salvation.

Christmas cards have been an enduring means of sending greetings to friends and family another across town, across the country and around the world. However, for many, with the advent of social media, texting and video chatting, the means by which we’re sending greetings has changed. But before we look wistfully at the past, and maybe even lament the change, consider the very nature of Christmas itself. It’s all about an extraordinary new means of communication. And the writer to the Hebrews points this out.

With all of different colors, styles, looks, and sizes, it’s difficult to pick out clothes for someone else. It’s not easy to know what will go together well and what fits. But, hands down, the award for choosing the best gift of clothing for Christmas – goes to our God. He really knows what goes well together and what fits.

In ancient times, you could tell the announcement that was coming by the feet of the messenger carrying the news. As well as having been given a Savior, you and I have been given some pretty fine footwear for Christmas.

On this day, we awaken and are reminded of our heavenly Father’s gift to you and me of His Son. It’s time for us to tear back the wrapping as we rejoice and tell others.

If I was one of the "shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night," I might have asked the angel if he could repeat the announcement just made. "Did I just hear that right? The almighty and eternal Son of God, the one through whom all things were made, the King of kings and Lord of lords … is lying in a feed trough?"

“Everyone counts.” That’s the title of what the U.S. Census Bureau calls its new song, “A catchy tune and fun lyrics help young children understand the census and why everyone counts in their own special way.” It was a census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. And it's through faith in our Savior, whose birth you and I are getting ready to celebrate, that God now counts you and me in very special way – as His redeemed children.

“Supply crisis: Will Christmas be cancelled?” That was a provocative newspaper headline. There are so many things that we often count on, all coming together with perfect timing, that the hope for a perfect Christmas celebration is practically unattainable when any of them is in short supply. However, Christmas itself is all about God's loving response to very real shortage.

It’s one of the most lovely images of the season of Advent. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby John leaped in her womb. Some have wondered how that's possible. The truth is, it's even more amazing to think of all the leaping for joy that's taking place now and all that's going to come as result of Jesus' saving work.

It must have had folks scratching their heads when the prophet Micah announced that the Savior of the world would be born in Bethlehem. Today, the little town of Bethlehem is famous but you can be sure that folks in Micah’s day were asking, “Bethlehem? Are you kidding?” But this tells us something important, and very comforting, of how God looks on you and me and our salvation.

Do you enjoy listing to Christmas oldies? A number of radio stations have curated lists of their favorites. Of course, when they say oldies, they’re referring to songs that came out primarily in the fifties and sixties. And many of them are actually songs that are based on earlier hits. But there’s also a favorite hymn of this Advent season that’s actually a clever remake of some much, much older music. Can you guess which one it is?

Christmas is a popular time of the year for most people – including thieves. It’s been noted that between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, thefts, burglaries and property crimes increase significantly. So, it’s not surprising that each year local police departments release tips on how you can safeguard your home for the holidays. Another thief goes into high gear at this time of the year. It’s the adversary. So Paul tells us the means by which God Himself protects for us the precious gift of peace that we have in Christ.

It's not surprising at this time of the year to find that the package you were expecting on your doorstep is one that was actually meant for your neighbor. So when John the Baptizer sent his disciples to Jesus with the question, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else,” it almost sounds like they’re asking if there was some confusion in the delivery. But it’s a heartfelt question and one that might cross our lips as well,

What do you give to those you love? It’s the annual conundrum of Christmas. What do they like? What would bring them joy? What will my wallet allow? But the question that comes up in a popular Christmas tune asks, "What do I bring to Jesus, the newborn King?" The answer may surprise you.

You and I have good reason to sing and rejoice. The sentence for our sins is gone and through faith in our Savior, who died and rose for us, we have been reconciled to God. But did you know that God Himself sings for joy over you and this eternal reconciliation?

“Bah! Humbug!” That's the famous line from Charles Dickens 18th century story, “A Christmas Carol.” It’s the contempt-filled reply that Scrooge gives to in response to Christmas greeting shared with him by his cheerful nephew. But have you ever wondered what this phrase means?

Someone you love may not be with you this Christmas. And that may make it feel especially difficult to be around those who are celebrating. In fact, more than once some have said, that, they don’t feel very joyful and and have even thought about skipping Christmas altogether. You may be feeling this way as well. But I hope you’ll reconsider. The truth is that this Good News of Christmas is especially for you.

Here in Luke, he quotes a highway project that was described all the way back in the days of Isaiah. What Isaiah descried is a picture of what took place when ancient kings would visit a region. In anticipation of their arrival the the roads were cleared of debris and other hazards. The cry here was for the people of Israel to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah, the Savior. It’s the same Advent cry that’s made to you and me this day.