Life This Side of Heaven

There are times when you and I may find ourselves retreating to the comfort zone and the illusion of boundaries that don’t exist. Someone may come to church who doesn’t look like the rest of us. But God calls us to step out of the box and see what we actually have in common .. our sins and our Savior who has come to bring His grace to all of us.

If you sang Psalm 150 in worship last Sunday, as many of our congregations did, you were blessed to sing this phrase a lot – Hallelujah! Just under half of the words in Psalm 150 are hallelujah! Here's a word that shows up regularly in worship during this Easter season and throughout the year. But it's not a generic word for praise. It's very specific and it's a real privilege to sing and say it.

You and I amazingly wealthy when it comes to God’s love in our lives. In fact, we have this love from God in an inexhaustible supply. However, there are times in our lives which might lead us to become tight-fisted and stingy with sharing it.

Not long after Jesus told the disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation,” Luke gives us a beautiful example of what this looked like. This close-up view of what took place is especially handy for you and me today as we consider the opportunities before us to share what our Savior has done for those in our midst.

Referring to Himself as the vine, and you and me as the branches, Jesus said, “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit.” The fruit includes our outlook, our actions and our attitudes. These give evidence to the rest of the world of God’s work in our lives. But consider for a moment any number of factors that can challenge that.

When it comes to grapevines, there’s a name for almost every part of the plant. Now, the reason I said that there’s a name for almost every part of the plant is that there doesn’t seem to be a name for those dried up tendrils that are left over from last year’s vine. But they can serve as a good reminder of the importance of remaining connected to Him in faith.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus shares a now familiar and beloved Bible image. He said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” However, unless you grow grapes, or have lived near vineyards, the full impact of that picture may not be apparent.

In Psalm 23, the Good Shepherd Psalm, we hear those comforting and familiar words, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me." However, the Hebrew word that David uses here may surprise you.

Listening to our conscience is a good thing. It’s a little like paying attention to the check engine light on your car. But what about those times when, you know you’re forgiven, but you’re still crushed and guilt overwhelms your heart?

Do you remember plucking the petals off a daisy to determine if you are loved? It's a fun game to determine if you're feeling whimsical and want to determine how your crush thinks of you. However, think of how often we may use a similar practice to gauge God’s love for us over the course of a week.

Long before they became largely ceremonial, and the preferred location for time capsules locking in treasures from the past, cornerstones actually played an important part in the construction of a building. When Peter and John were hauled before the Hight Priest, the rulers and the elders to explain how the crippled man at the Temple Gate was healed, he quoted this familiar verse to them from Psalm 118. Since it was so well known, why did they rulers reject our promised Savior?

As much as you and I like to think we know ourselves well, God knows us better. Does that sound intimidating? Consider this, Jesus knows you perfectly ... and still He loves you.

Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” If you’re like me, that’s the beloved image that often pops into your head. But Jesus didn’t simply slip on a pair of overalls for a nice picture. He came to do the 'hands on' work of a shepherd.

Nothing in all of creation brings refreshment and restorative peace like this. It's something you can have today and it's something which will certainly make you look forward to the weekend. Can you guess what it is?

When’s the last time you really kicked up your feet in joy? Before you answer that question, notice how much easier it is to come up instead with all the obstacles that would keep you from doing it. Leap for joy! Why would we do that?

John reminds us that as God's children we look forward to the day of the resurrection when when we too shall rise, as our risen and living Savior has, and see His face. And by His Holy Spirit, we rejoice even now to reflect His saving love to those in our midst.

In our Baptism, you and I are not simply called children of God. As John exclaims, “That is what we are!” It’s no small blessing that Jesus calls us his “brothers” and that you and I get to pray, “Our Father.” You and I belong together in this family.

The disciples were having a hard time processing all of the events of our Lord’s crucifixion and the empty tomb. But on Easter morning, it was our risen Savior Himself who appeared before them, turned the lid and popped the top, so to speak, and opened the Scriptures.

Jesus is with us and reminds us, “Peace be with you.” This is what this Easter victory is all about. We have a risen and living Savior, by whose death and resurrection, sin and death have been conquered. There is nothing in this life that you and I will ever face apart from Him. Still have any doubts?

As the ongoing celebration of Easter continues, Peter calls us to crave God's Word the way a newborn baby craves milk. That makes sense as you and I consider how God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Today, there’s a push back to all of the "photo editing and filters" so that folks can see themselves just as they are. They say it’s healthier. When it comes to our spiritual life, John tells us that it's more than simply a good idea.

Back in 2002, Google launched an ambitious project to digitize every book that exists. Imagine that, all those books! But now, here’s a book in which you are mentioned in the dedication!

When our Savior showed Himself alive again, on the evening of that first Sunday after His resurrection, with Thomas present, it was more than simply a case of our Savior being a good sport. He did this for Thomas’ sake, it's true. But He also did this specifically with you in mind.

When you and I share the Gospel, and announce God’s forgiveness, it’s more than a breath of fresh air. It revives and resuscitates. The Holy Spirit Himself works through that life-giving Word to bring mercy and everlasting life.

On Easter Sunday, Jesus announced to them, "Peace be with you." Then He showed them the scars that mark this eternal victory. The two actions of our Savior are intimately connected.

Isaiah describes for us a feast like no other. The prophet was sent to pronounce God’s wrath on sin, but also to announce hope to repentant sinners. He describes God’s victory over all enemies – including sin and death. Then he describes the celebratory feast, which shall come with it, for all who have trusted in our Savior. Easter is the reservation Jesus has prepared for you at this table.

Have you ever found yourself searching frantically around the house for your car keys? Have you spent any time trying to find the remote for your television? We often look for them in the wrong place. Like the women on that first Easter morning, we look for Jesus who was crucified. And like them, we’re reminded where He has promised to be found.

The authorities who sought Jesus’ death knew they had a real problem on their hands. Despite Pilate's order to seal the grave and post a guard, Jesus rose from the grave on Easter morning. If they held to the story that Jesus was dead, all folks had to do was say, “Show us the body!” So they came up with a story that the body was stolen. There was only one problem. Jesus was alive and He was happy to show the disciples their living Savior.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul passes along specific news "as of first importance.” But this isn’t dire news of danger, it’s fantastic news of forgiveness – news to hear and incredible news to share.

As Easter Sunday is behind us you and I now carry on with all the activities of our regular routine. But the joy of Easter doesn’t stay in the rear view mirror. It goes forward with us. In fact, each week we’re reminded of this new life that we have in our Savior.

"Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!” I love that familiar Easter greeting that we share with one another. What does this mean for our lives this week, next week, and for all the weeks to come? It means that because Jesus our Savior lives, we live each new day now in joyful expectation. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

Who was responsible for Jesus’ death? Remarkably, there’s a lot of finger-pointing and debate even centuries after our Savior’s crucifixion. It fits with our culture’s fascination with conspiracies … like “Who was responsible for Abraham Lincoln’s death or John F. Kennedy? “ And did they act alone? However, the debate over who is responsible for Jesus’ death often comes down to a desire to assign guilt and blame. The truth is, as you and I look at God’s Word, it’s not hard to come up with the answer.

It is finished! Shortly before He bowed His head and died, our Savior spoke these three little words. And in Greek, it’s not even three words—it’s one! It’s pronounced, “Tetelestai.” Here’s a word you’ll want to remember. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

If you're attending a concert and the singer shouts, "I love you!" to the crowd, what does that mean? So when Jesus says, "For God so loved the world ..." it might be tempting to wonder if this also includes you. Jesus Himself assures you personally in a very unique way with the meal He instituted on the night He was betrayed.

“What’s the exchange look like today?” If you’re going on a journey, travel experts advise that you will want to always know the answer to this question. But that’s also great advice for you and me as we travel to Good Friday and the celebration of Easter this Sunday.

As people from across the empire poured into Jerusalem for the celebration of the Passover, John tells us of some Greeks who were hoping to see our Savior. They asked, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” Today, that might have include handshakes and maybe even a group selfie. But what Jesus gave them was so much more!

It’s considered bad luck for a sports team to plan their victory parade before they’ve actually won the game. So was the parade on Palm Sunday premature? Not at all! And neither is our celebration this day.

Do you like GPS apps and the navigation devices that are available in cars today? Tomorrow is Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowds. But the only clear way to appreciate the celebration of Easter the following week takes us right through the events of Good Friday. So this verse from Hebrews is terrific for navigating the trip to the resurrection.

Do you remember playing “King of the Mountain”? It's a game that usually involves a lot of pushing and shoving to get to the top. Today, I’m sure it’s probably discouraged on most playgrounds. Nevertheless, look at how it’s embraced in our culture. Jesus came to be King of the Mountain, but in a manner entirely different from the what the world expected and with eternal results.

Mark tells us that James and John came to Jesus and said, “Teacher ... we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” Hmmm. Does that sound like a loaded statement to you? Why would they want to have our Savior’s consent before first telling Him what they wanted? Why not just come out and ask Him?

Years earlier God had promised Abraham that he, and his wife Sarah, would be blessed with a Son, that their descendants too numerous to count, and He would make his name great. But in the meantime, it may not have always appeared that way. For a guy who was so blessed there were many events in his life that must have left him weary. For you and me, who have made His children through faith and have stretched out before us, there are times when you may feel a bit weary, too. Here's where this remarkable reference to Melechizedek, and having Jesus as our priest forever, brings encouragement and refreshment. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

The position has been filled. That's not usually the news that we want to hear. However, when it comes to the office of high priest, the writer to the Hebrews assures us that hearing the announcement of how Jesus has fulfilled this work is very good news. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

Have you purchased a new appliance recently? Chances are good that it came with a limited conditional warranty. If you use it in any way, other than that described under the terms of the warranty, then of course all promises are off. You’re on your own. It wasn't long before God's people broke His covenant with them. However, in Jeremiah, God has given us an unconditional promise that sounds almost too good to be true. For you and me and for all whose have hearts crushed by the guilt and shame of sin, who in repentance and faith look to God for mercy, here's an amazing warranty! Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

In Ephesians, Paul describes how exciting it is to discover something that’s easily overlooked – the opportunity to serve God with good works. It’s an enjoyable part of our lives as grateful sons and daughters of God. It's almost like a game. God opens our eyes to spot the opportunities to serve Him that are, actually, all around us. He’s even prepared them for us. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

“He was ‘deader than a doornail.’” Have you ever heard that expression? Paul says something similar in Ephesians to describe our condition before being saved. It’s important to know this or nothing else that follows, of Paul’s description of God’s forgiveness and grace, can be understood or appreciated.

In John’s Gospel, and following the wonderfully soothing words of John 3:16, Jesus goes on to note that not everyone’s thrilled about this Good News. But you and I, who are blessed to walk in the light of Christ's love each day, have a tremendous opportunity to reflect His love in this sin-darkened world. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

There are those today, who don’t know Jesus, and having not heard the Good News proclaimed correctly, mistakenly assume He has come to judge us. But our Savior’s first coming was to carry out a rescue mission. And through faith, we rejoice in this rescue right now – this very day. We also have a remarkable opportunity to share it.

When it comes to a description of God’s love for us, it’s hard to imagine a verse more familiar than the one Jesus Himself provided here in John 3:16. It answers the question, “How does God love me?” And in it, Jesus reminds us of an important event in history and points us to the manner in which God has shown us His incredible love.

Is that really the remedy? I’m sure many of the Israelites must have asked Moses that question when He described for them the remedy God provided for their snake bites. Folks may also ask that same question when they hear today God's remedy for our sin. Find out more at https://life-this-side-of-heaven.pinecast.co

You can almost imagine His enemies shaking their heads in astonishment, and maybe evening stifling laughter, when Jesus announced, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Given enough time any building can be rebuilt. It’s just a building. However, what Jesus announced was something which could only be accomplished by God.