Life This Side of Heaven

If I was with Peter, James and John, and saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain, I would be practically jumping out of my skin. I would want to tell everyone! So why would Jesus not allow the disciples to tell the others about what this until after the resurrection?

When the glorious events of the Transfiguration were ended, the disciples looked around. Gone was the cloud, gone were Moses and Elijah. Mark tells us that, suddenly, standing there before them was ... just Jesus. During this season of Lent, and like the disciples, our attention is drawn to the only one who could accomplish the work of our salvation – just Jesus.

Peter didn’t want to hear what Jesus had to say about His upcoming crucifixion and resurrection. So, it’s perhaps not surprising that, at the Transfiguration when the “cloud appeared and enveloped them,” we hear the voice of the Father say, “This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!”

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day penitential season of Lent. On this day many will will have the sign of cross traced in ashes on their forehead in worship. It’s a reminder of our mortality and a sign of repentance. All who have come from dust, and returned to dust, over the many centuries give testimony to the terrible toll of sin and death. As Jesus was transfigured before the disciples, two figures from the past appeared and spoke with Jesus about what He would soon accomplish to at the cross to conquer both sin and death.

The sight of Jesus transfigured on the mountain was so spectacular that it’s not surprising to hear Matthew, Mark and Luke struggle to use different imagery to fully describe it. Mark uses a particularly fascinating phrase. It illustrates beautifully what our transfigured Savior came to accomplish for us at Mt. Calvary.

Mark tells that Peter, James and John watched as Jesus was transfigured before them. The Greek word used here is the same one from which we get our English word, "metamorphosis." It means to “transform.” On the mountain this day, Jesus gave the disciples a glimpse of His eternal glory. Why did He do this? Well, what they would soon see would appear to be the exact opposite.

For the disciples, this didn’t make any sense. Why leave Capernaum? Jesus was a hit. Everyone was coming to see Him. This was … comfortable. But Jesus had a good reason for doing it. And there are times when it's useful for you and me to step of our comfort zone as well.

“It starts with Hope and ends with Perseverance.” What a great opening line in an NBC article this week by reporter Denise Chow! It describes some of the incredible activity that’s taking place in space exploration. With all that’s going on in your life right now you may not interested in looking up at the stars. However, Isaiah used them to make an important point that’s continues to be a comforting and useful reminder for you and me today.

Have you noticed how easy it is to get caught up in "rat race" and chasing after prizes that don't last? Paul focuses draws our attention instead to "a crown that will last forever."

Poet and humorist, Oliver Wendell Holmes is credited with saying, “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” However, you could say that because apostle Paul was so heavenly minded he was earthly good. He went out of his way to identify with those with whom he shared the Gospel. By God's grace, so can you and I.

Jesus came to reverse the effects of this world’s fall into sin. You and I, and the people we know and love, suffer in this life both spiritually and physically. So it’s no coincidence how we hear of Jesus’ proclamation of the good news so closely connected to His miracles of healing. But, since not everyone is healed in this life, is there a queue for the cure that Jesus came to bring?

Did you know until just recently scientists weren’t fully aware of how birds like eagles could soar so effortlessly in the sky? It’s true. A recent study notes the two things that are needed to glide along on the warm, rising thermal currents. Isaiah notes two things that, when you and I are weak, weary and worn out, enable us "soar on wings like eagles."

“Many are the woes of the wicked.” Really? This doesn’t seem to be our experience. Does it ever feel that it’s the opposite that’s true? So what was David talking about when he sang these words in Psalm 32 while reminding us of the incredible blessings of God's love?

Influencers. The teachers of the law had a lot of influence. They had a huge following. And they often quoted and name-dropped other celebrity scribes to make their point of what must be done to win God's favor. So, when Jesus came and taught at the synagogue in Capernaum, folks may have assumed that another famous influencer was in their midst. They were shocked and amazed when the discovered that what He had to say was much different. He has come to be our Savior.

It’s been said that “All publicity is good publicity.” If that was true, then why did Jesus tell the evil spirit in the man at the synagogue in Capernaum to "Be quiet"?

In Deuteronomy, the people knew that the end of Moses’ time was drawing near. For 40 years He carried God’s Word to the Israelites. But with his departure, the fear was that they would be no one to take his place. But Moses announced an astonishing promise from God that still brings us comfort to this very day.

Today is Groundhog Day! It's a fun tradition in the middle of winter. Some have even said that his possible forecast for an early Spring could "give a pandemic-stressed nation some hope." However, you and I have real source for hope that's ours all 365 days of the year.

Paul notes how easy it is for knowledge to leave us "puffed up." That’s what happens when knowledge is exercised apart from love. He uses the example in his day of how believers handled food that was sacrificed to idols. Perhaps this sounds strange. However, maybe it's not so difficult to imagine after all.

At first, it sounds ironic to hear in Mark record in the same sentence that after John was put in prison Jesus went about proclaiming the good news of God. John was the last of His kind, of prophets pointing to the Savior who was to come. However, John knew the wonderful good news that Jesus is the first of many.

In Psalm 113, the writer celebrates our God who shows mercy to the humble and lowly. And in verse seven, he uses what must have become a familiar and much beloved phrase from Hannah’s prayer back in 1 Samuel. God has lifted us from the ash heap.

Paul notes how the form of this present world is constantly changing. However, the apostle isn’t putting on his creaky old man voice as if to say, “You know kids, back in my day …” Instead, He points out how easy it is to become attached to those things in life that are transient, and sets our focus on the Kingdom of God the tremendous eternal blessings that have in Christ.

The words that Mark uses to describe how Andrew and Simon responded to Jesus' call to discipleship can only be described as an understatement. For the disciples, they didn’t tip-toe into it. They didn’t dabble in this “fishers of men” business here and there. Being a disciple of our Savior now defined them. And that's what it means for you and me as well.

When Jesus called Andrew and Simon He could have used a familiar phrase from a popular movie franchise and said, "Come with me if you want to live." However, what Jesus held out to the disciples was a lot more than merely a bleak summons to survival. Instead He called them to become His disciples, and His apostles, and you and I have been blessed with bright good news to be shared.

So you think that’s incredible? When most people hear of Jonah in the Old Testament, the first thing that comes to mind is an image of the prophet being in the belly of the fish for three days. But, now, if you think that’s something, consider what came next.

God hears both our thoughts and our words. Does that bring your comfort or concern? Hear David's prayer and why he describes this as a good thing.

Half-Duplexing. Have you heard that term? Chances are good that even if you’ve never heard of it, you have first hand knowledge of what it’s all about. Something similar to this was taking place back in Samuel’s day in the Old Testament. And, for good or for bad, it's a term that can easily be used to describe our own communication with God. What is absolutely amazing is that we have a loving God who wants to speak to us in mercy and love.

Does it ever feel as if God is a million miles away from the events that fill your days and the circumstances in your life? After all, Moses talked with God on the mountain. Our days seem to be filled with the more humdrum activities of life in the valley. It was a real wake-up call for Nathanael when He realized that was our Savior was much closer that he realized. And it's a useful reminder for you and me as well.

How does it make you feel when someone you have just met says, “I know you!” Does it bring you comfort or concern? Now, imagine how Nathanael must have felt as he walked up to meet Jesus and discovered his Savior already knew him.

Nathanael's response to Philip's invitation to meet Jesus sounds so easy to imagine that it almost makes you cringe. He almost blows off the invitation completely. It sounds familiar to what we might expect from a friend or family member with whom we want to introduce to our Savior. In fact, it may make us hesitate when sharing our faith. However, instead of debating with Nathanael, Andrew does something even more effective. He simply says, "Come and see."

“Follow me.” My father would use those words when we would go out to the tool shed in our backyard on a snowy, winter morning. And, if you were a small child who grew up in snow country, you know exactly what those words mean. Jesus used the phrase, “Follow Me,” repeatedly in the Gospels as He called His disciples. It's also a gracious innovation from our Savior for you and me.

One thing that has come out of the current pandemic is that we’ve all become proficient experts at washing our hands. Signs are up everywhere to remind us of this important part of our regular hygiene and many of them even include instructions and diagrams on how to do it. It’s also great way to remember, and make daily use, of your Baptism.

Do you know who baptized you? However, in reality, there’s real a distinction when it comes to who applied the water that day and who did the baptizing.

In 2 Corinthians the apostle has announced, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” God's gift to you in Your baptism assures you that this is more than a hyperbole.

If you’ve ever watched a baptism in church on a Sunday morning, it may not look like a big deal. Family and friends gather with together with the pastor at the font. Words are spoken. Water is poured on the individual. And then everyone sticks around for coffee, cake and family pictures. But a baptism so much more than a photo opp. And our good friend Paul wants us to know it.

How many t-shirts would you say that you own? Five, ten, twenty? Have you ever thought about layering them and wearing them all at the same time? Did you know that a gentleman set the record two years ago for the most t-shirts worn at one time? Now, you may be asking, "Why would anyone do that?" Then again, why did Jesus come to the Jordan to be baptized by John?

This week, we’ll take a closer look at the tremendous gift that God has given to us in our Baptism and the remarkable blessings that come with it. For parched souls searching for God’s mercy, here God has soaked us with His grace and love.

Where’s Jesus? That may have been among the most frequently asked questions of this past week. It set the scene for the situation that Luke described for us in the Gospel reading last Sunday and it seems especially fitting for these days in our nation that have followed.

Do you know how much you're carrying in your wallet or purse? What if it was a fortune? Would it be possible to forget it, lose sight of it, or perhaps not even realize that it's yours? In Ephesians, Paul wants you to be aware of the fact that by faith you carry with you each day something far more valuable.

Everything that Jesus came to accomplish on our behalf was restore the broken relationship with our heavenly Father that sin had severed. So, it’s understandable that the very first words of our Savior recorded in the Gospel, and spoken at the Temple, point to Jesus being about the Father’s business.

Last month, on December 21, you may have seen the rare conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the night sky. It's been called the "Bethlehem Star" as some hold it's the one that led the Wise Men to Jesus. Some have wondered whether it was this, a supernova, a comet or any number of different phenomena that was the celestial sight mentioned in Scripture. Detailed scholarly discussions have taken place over the years to ascertain what was the real star of Bethlehem.

It’s tempting to tell ourselves that we know all there is know from God’s Word. And while Sunday School seems useful for kids we may imagine that there’s not much for us to get out of the ongoing study of God’s Word. But notice how Jesus Himself didn’t see it something to be overlooked.

Just like Solomon, and wanting to keep our lives rolling along smoothly, we ask God for a discerning heart. We implore Him to teach us His way that we may walk in truth. Solomon realized how easy it is to make poor choices. Sadly, the fact is that’s true for you and me as well. However, there is real mercy and real grace when our lives go off the rails.

Clothes are among some of the most special gifts for Christmas. For the person who is giving the clothing they have to imagine what they will look like when the other person is wearing them. On the other hand, for the person who has received this gift, they can look in the mirror and they see immediately how they look. However it’s just the opposite when you consider this gift of clothing that God has given to us in our Savior.

Having come through 2020, with all of its unexpected hurdles, heartaches, and challenges, what will come next in 2021? If you read the newspapers and magazines there are no end to the number of predictions. It’s tempting to think that someone might have the inside line on what’s ahead of us. Well, as redeemed children of God, we do. God is ahead of us. Instead of facing the unknown on our own, we have this amazing assurance.

“Is 2020 truly the worst year ever?” Now there’s a question that has been floating around for some time now. It’s the theme of a number of articles this week and of more than a few end-of-year retrospectives that news outlets are airing on this New Year’s Eve. It may be the worst year that many of us in North America will have experienced in our lifetime, but there have been others that came before it. In the midst of all the turbulence of this past year, the words in Psalm 91 we find a welcome promise from God.

Back in the 80s, singer Mark Lowry began writing the lyrics for a song that has grown to become a Christmas favorite. It’s titled, “Mary Did You Know?” It might surprise you to know the answer. There's also another important question that can be asked along with it.

No Christmas gift is of much use if you leave it in the box. It’s not surprising how many people love to think of the “little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay” at Christmas. What is surprising, is when they leave Him there. Here’s the gift that’s no longer in the box. Here’s our Savior who is no longer "away in the manger," in the feed box. And look at all that comes with this gift.

There’s a great English tradition of popping Christmas Crackers at this time of the year. The cracker is a brightly wrapped cardboard tube that’s twisted on the end. Two people, one each side, grab and end of it and pull. When it pops open with a bang, inside is found a colorful tissue paper crown; a small trinket for a prize, and a piece of paper with a riddle or a joke. In Galatians, Paul sounds the good news of our Savior's birth with a bang, presents the crown of our salvation, solves a riddle and reveals the prize of eternal life in Christ.

Down through the centuries God communicated, through the prophets, that He would send us a Savior. Our hearts have thrilled, even this day, to hear those promises recorded by Moses, Isaiah, Micah and more in the Advent readings leading up this Christmas announcement in Hebrews. But now, everything has changed with the birth of our Savior.

If Christmas could have been cancelled it would have been. Not this year’s Christmas, but the first Christmas itself. But here’s the wonderful thing. Jesus did come! Christmas has arrived! Our Savior is born and He has brought salvation with Him. The circumstances of this year bring into unique clarity all that is unchanged – and all which can never be cancelled – God’s eternal love for you and His gift of a Savior.