Life This Side of Heaven

In 1 Peter 5:6, Peter reminds us to “Humble ourselves.” This word gets used in Scripture a number of different ways. When it’s used to speak to you and me it’s usually to address our pride. In this case, we like to think that we’ve got things covered and we don’t need any help or assistance. Peter, speaking both by inspiration of God and from experience, reminds us of what a blessing it is to recognize our need and dependence on our Savior.

In Micah, the prophet is amazed and asks, "Who is a God like you?" And then he describes what God has done that has left him astonished. Hearing it reminds us of what a Friend we have in Jesus!

Not knowing the law doesn't get us off the hook when we sin. The Law strips back any excuse we might give. But that’s good because then, in Romans, Paul wants you and me to look up and see our Savior who in love, bore the punishment for our sins on the cross.

In Romans, Paul notes that “The law has authority over a man only as long as he lives.” But Paul isn’t getting ready to write a best-selling crime novel and he’s not musing about some caper where where the protagonist pretends to die, changes their name, and hides out in some exotic far-away location. That's what folks often dream about as a way to get out from under their debt. What the apostle describes is much better.

“I’ve got some bad news and some good news. Which would you like to hear first?” Has you ever been faced with that question? What if, instead, you pretended the bad news didn’t exist – and simply made up some good news? Would that be more helpful?

Do you pray before your meals? It’s good for us to pause and to recognize, as David says, “The eyes of all look to you.” It’s a moment to take note of the fact that this food, like all good things, come to us as a gift from our heavenly Father. It’s a brief “time out” to acknowledge and give thanks to God for His sustaining mercies. If you haven’t grown up saying grace before meals that brief pause for prayer may feel awkward. Here'a simple, fun and comfortable way you can start this meal time tradition with your family today.

Our current cultural climate has led many to debate whether our seniors are expendable. Is there an age limit at which you and I are no longer useful in service to God and one another? Is there a time when you and I become “expendable”?

In the harsh world of sin in which you and I live it’s not surprising that we may find ourselves the brunt of abuse and on the receiving end of jokes. As a result, when we’re at work, at a party, or a large crowd making jokes about people who go to church, it can be tempting to want to hide the fact that we’re a Christian. We may even be tempted to dissociate ourselves from our Savior. But think about that for a moment. Who is calling who the 'ugly duckling' in this story?

Do you know how many hairs on your head? It’s no small thing when Jesus said, “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” The world into which the disciples were being sent was filled with worries and concerns, just as ours is for you and me today. In love, Jesus assures you that our God who knows how many hairs on your head is fully aware of all the changes and challenges that you face this day.

Remember “Complaint Boxes”? Long before online reviews and social media companies would occasionally set out a box to collect complaints from disgruntled employees and angry customers. In these strange words from Jeremiah, the prophet lays out his complaint before God. Have you ever felt like the prophet?

“I don’t get no respect.” Have you ever felt like saying this yourself from time-to-time? It’s not easy to live as a Christian in this fallen world. It makes us uncomfortable. Having respect means to well-regarded and held in high esteem. But in order to have the world’s respect you have to excel at the very things that lead us away from Christ and the Gospel. But Jesus has given us something that's much better and worth sharing.

Jesus told the disciples, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'" One translation of this verse mistakenly reads “the kingdom of heaven is soon to be here.” But, if that’s true, then it’s a little the kid in the back seat of the car who asks Dad and Mom, “Are we there yet?” and gets that unsatisfying answer, “No, not yet, but we’re almost there.” In other words, “Strap yourselves in for a bumpy ride, we still have a long way to go.” The reality is so much better. Here’s Good News that we may not always recognize.

Sheep and wolves, snakes and doves. Here are four animals that are handy to keep in mind whenever you and I head out the door each day. They were four animals that the Savior used as images for the disciples to keep in mind as they were sent out to share the Gospel.

On Mt. Calvary, over 2000 years ago, our Savior went to battle for you and me. He was sent by His Father to conquer sin, death and the devil on our behalf. But here’s the thing. And, there’s no way to fully appreciate the greatness of God’s love for us, and the wonderful assurance of His forgiveness, until we do: You and I were enemies of God.

Following a night of prayer Luke tells us, “When morning came, [Jesus] called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles.” Matthew lists their names. The one thing that stands out is that they were all different. They weren’t cookie-cutter identical. And that tells you a lot about our Savior and about you.

The image of lost sheep without a shepherd is a familiar one in the Bible but it’s probably not something that most of us have ever run into. So, it may sound surprising to hear Jesus referring the people in the towns and villages of Israel as “sheep without a shepherd.” When Jesus looked out He saw people, as He described, who were “harassed and helpless.” A better translation of that word “harassed” might be “weary" or "worried.” Weary, worried and helpless? Now that begins to sound a little bit more familiar.

There’s no reason to believe that the Israelites were anything less than sincere when the told Moses, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” However, even best intentions aren't enough. How many of us, before those weeks of isolation and quarantine, told ourselves, “You know, someday, if I ever get the time, I’d like to write a book, take piano lessons or learn a new language.” Then, all of a sudden ... we had it. Thankfully, our salvation doesn't rest on our best of intentions.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Usually, when we hear these words in Matthew's Gospel, the focus is on the fact that our risen and Savior is with us. But back up a moment to those first words that we may easily speed past in our haste. He starts by saying, “Behold!” Before we quickly rush out the door to begin our day here's a word that's also important for you and me.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven He called together His disciples and sent them out with the word “Go.” They were to go and disciple the nations. They were to bring His treasure to all people – not with clues or a map, but by baptizing and teaching.

Have you ever read a newspaper story, or listened to breaking news on television, where the reporter concluded by saying that the person they interviewed “requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak.” When Jesus told the disciples to "Go," they were told to share the Good News by the One who does have the authority to speak.

You and I crave rest because life can be exhausting. And yet, between work and family, rest can seem so elusive. And yet, here in these familiar words, in the opening chapters of Scripture, it describes God Himself as having rested from all His work. What does that look like? How can we have it?

In Genesis we hear, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." That all changed when sin entered the world. But there are words of real comfort here as we're told what God has done to redeem us and make us His new creation through faith.

Yesterday Christian congregations around the world celebrating the Festival of the Holy Trinity. God has revealed Himself to us in his Word as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. However, as soon as we attempt to describe the Trinity it begins to sound more like a puzzle than a celebration. You may be thinking to yourself, wouldn’t be easier to simply say, as John does in his first letter, that “God is love,” and leave it at that? But that’s just it, here is exactly how our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit has revealed Himself.

It’s not surprising that the sin, stress and fears of this world leave us drained. The disappointment and sorrow caused by our own sins, and then watching the news and experiencing the weight of living in this fallen world, saps the life out of us. Even for those of us who know God, and know of our salvation, may not recognize right away how draining this can be. So, when Jesus says, “If anyone is thirsty,” there’s no doubt that also includes you and me.

It sounds frightening when Peter quoted God’s promise from Joel on the Day of Pentecost. We hear, “I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.” That sounds like it would be enough to give anyone nightmares. But it less to do with what you and I see on the nightly news and more of what took place that day Jesus gave His life for us on the cross and the events leading up to Pentecost.

Could these be the last days? The evening news reveals violence and injustice. There is rioting in our major cities and it’s not only here but around the world. Add all of this to the fact that the world is in the grip of a pandemic and it’s understandable that we’re concerned. So, to return to that original question, “Could these be the last days.” The answer may surprise you. Yes. In fact, without a doubt. But not for the reasons you may think.

Today, a lot of folks tend to confuse adrenaline and the work of the Holy Spirit. As a result, they want worship to be a thrilling and heart-pumping experience that feels like you’ve been shot out of a cannon. However, instead of simply providing us with a shot of excitement like a an energy drink, the Holy Spirit comes with a specific purpose.

The Day of Pentecost was an exciting point in history. On this day God poured out His Holy Spirit. On this day, as Peter proclaimed the Good News of our risen Savior, and as Luke reports, everyone in attendance heard these words in their own native language. That’s amazing in and of itself. However, what’s even more amazing is the reason behind it.

Last week the Crayola Crayon company released a new 32-pack of crayons to represent the world’s skin tones. It’s their new “Colors of the World” packet. It includes such colors as “Medium Light Rose” and “Deep Almond.” If you, or your kids, are drawing a picture of the people who heard Peter's message on the Day of Pentecost, you’ll want to have one of these packs. The wonder of our God is that He had each one of us in minds when Jesus died for us on the cross.

Have you ever wondered how the disciples were able to record what took place, and even our Savior’s exact words, after having spent three years together with Him? It’s not only the record of our Savior’s words and actions in the Gospels. Take a look at how they were able to quote Him in Acts as well. You can’t help but be amazed. Shortly before Jesus ascended into heaven, He made a promise to the disciples that would make all the difference.

Thankfully, when Paul describes the ascension of our Savior, the words “far above” don’t mean “far away.” If that were true then Jesus would be distant from our day-to-day lives, our concerns and what we experience. And even two or three, gathered together in His name, and standing on each other’s shoulders, wouldn’t be able to reach up to Him. However, in worship, we’re reminded that it’s Jesus who comes to us. He comes to bless us and to forgive, fortify and feed us. He comes to us in the word, read and proclaimed to us by our pastor. And He comes to us in the Lord’s Supper.

Paul tells us that “When [Jesus] ascended on high, He … gave gifts to men.” That sounds exciting. And so, like a small child our imagination begins to race and we ask, “What did you get me, what did you get me?” And then He tells us here in His Word. He "gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” Our Savior’s preaching and teaching didn’t end on the day He was taken up into heaven. It has been expanded in a way that is nothing short of amazing.

“What Happens When an Attorney Dies?” That’s a serious question and it’s one that the American Bar Association even addressed in an article as recently as 2016. Who speaks on behalf of the client? Who pleads their case and advocates for them? It's one that You and I have a risen and living Savior. His death hasn't silenced His voice – it sealed the case. You and I have been declared righteous in His sight through faith. And having risen and ascended into heaven Jesus is our Advocate who speaks in our defense.

In Ephesians, Paul tells us, “[God] seated Him [Christ] at His right hand in the heavenly realms.” It’s tempting to imagine the royal seating arrangement in heaven. And it’s hard get that image out of our head of a gold throne with rich red upholstery. But it’s a lot better than that.

Social Distancing. Whoever imagined that this phrase would one day become a common part of our vocabulary? But maybe that’s what it sounds like when you hear of Jesus’ ascension in the New Testament. Luke tells us, “When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up his hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.” Now that really does sound like ‘social distancing.’ But wait a minute, in Matthew He promised them, “I am with you always.” How can He be with us when He is in heaven?

The Memorial Day weekend reminds us of the “ultimate sacrifice given by the few for the many.” in his first letter, Peter reminds us of the sacrifice made for us by our Savior. In this case, it wasn’t the few for the many, it was the sacrifice of one for all. It sounds like an epitaph – something you might read on a grave stone: “Here lies Jesus who gave His life. A just man in the stead of the unjust.” But, thankfully, for you and me, and those who have given their lives in the service to God and our nation, there is no such marker.

A guilty conscience brings a lot of pain and sleepless nights. It haunts us and fuels our insecurities. God recognizes how difficult it can be to fully appreciate that we are forgiven. As a means of confirming the very forgiveness He has spoken in His Word He also points us to a wonderful gift by which He assures us a good conscience before Him.

“Is the coronavirus a judgment from God?” Whenever someone points to a crisis and says, “It’s a sign from God,” it’s interesting how the message never seems to be clear. That’s also true for this current pandemic. But notice how clearly Paul spoke to the philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens. Instead of looking at everything around him and trying to guess what God is thinking, Paul focused their attention to how God has made Himself known in Jesus and His Word.

When Paul addressed the philosophers at the Areopagus in Athens, and told them about God, he explained to them that “He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything.” One thing that the worship of manmade gods has in common is the idea that God needs our sacrifices, gifts and offerings. The reality is that we are the ones in need – and the one true God gives us more than we could have ever imagined.

Paul must have lost count of all of the statues, altars and monuments that peppered the city of Athens. It would be easy to think of the apostle as wanting to throw up his hands in despair. Where do you begin to share the Gospel when folks have so many different and mixed up ideas about God? Have you ever felt that way as you look around today? Hear how, in love and gratitude to our Savior, Paul was determined to introduce them to their "Unknown God."

“I’m spiritual, but not religious.” “I hate religion, but I love Jesus.” Have you heard phrases like these or seen them on social media? The word 'religion' has gotten a bad rap in recent years. What does it really mean?

Philip must have wondered, “Did I just hear that right?” Jesus said that any believer, anyone who trusts in Him, will do what He was doing. So what is it that Jesus was doing? But before we answer that question, Jesus immediately went on to follow that up by saying, “He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” Even greater things that what Jesus was doing? At this point, He must have had Philip’s attention. Has he got yours?

Would you like to see the Father? Dig into Holy Scriptures and rejoice to hear the Gospel. He has revealed Himself for us up close, in the flesh in His Son. Jesus is the Son who does both what His Father says and does.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Whenever Jesus tells us not to be afraid, or in this case, not to let our hearts be troubled, He always explains why. He follows by explaining what He has done or will do that brings the assurance of this comfort. And, despite what you may have heard, it has nothing to do with getting your own mansion in the sky. It's something much better.

In 1 Peter the apostle describes you and me in a way that may leave us scratching our heads and asking, “Who, me?” He says, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” And it’s that one word in particular that may leave us puzzled. He calls us priests.

Sometimes folks find it hard to walk though the ruins of an old church or cathedral. And yet, you can find them scattered all across Europe and in a variety of places across North America. If you have ever driven by an old boarded up country church, or walked among the ruins of a cathedral, you may have have experienced melancholy like this as well. However, Peter reminds us that you and I can look at them in an entirely fresh new way.

During the current crisis families have been encouraged to remain healthy at home. However, it's important for you and me to remain spiritually healthy as we do it. The apostle Paul reminds us that this includes craving the opportunities to be refreshed with the pure spiritual milk of God's Word.

“If you want to get to him, you will have to go through me first.” Have you ever heard that phrase, or one similar to it? It can be used two different ways. One involves “access” and the other involves “protection.”

It seems like it would be an easier life to be a fat cat than a rescued sheep. It’s understandable to want to escape from health scares, employment problems and the struggles that make up our day-to-day lives. And, for that reason, those that promise health, wealth and prosperity have found an eager audience. However, when our Good Shepherd says, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly," He has something a lot better in mind than toys and trinkets.

Thieves and robbers. Those may not be two words that come to mind when you think about sheep grazing peacefully in a pasture but it’s a real problem for ranchers. Jesus used this familiar to warn of the danger and damage that’s done by false teachers. He also points to where God's sheep find security.