Life This Side of Heaven

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.

Remember when futuristic space movies would should a time when computers would speak and actually address its user by name? Today, many homes now have smart devices that come equipped with voice assistants. And one of the more popular features of these devices is that they can learn your voice and even use your name when you're talking to them. It's a skill that's acquired through a series of questions and voice prompts. However, Jesus reminds us that as our Good Shepherd He actually does know us, personally, and as called us by name.

One thing useful that has come out of the current stay-at-home directives, in our states and provinces, is that it’s brought us to take a closer look at the nature of worship. Gathering for worship in God’s House on a Sunday morning may have been something that we took for granted. All that changed when we we were required to move to “virtual worship.” Thanks to social media and technology we have gathered in front of our televisions and computer screens to worship remotely from our living rooms. And, of course, it feels different. But why is that?

It’s not especially complimentary to be called a sheep. After all, it's not like we make sheep the mascot any of our sports teams. However, when you take a closer look, it soon becomes apparent why David rejoiced to be counted among God’s flock and to have Him as our Shepherd.

A “Bull Market” is the description that is given when the economy is sound and when the price of stocks, bonds, and commodities continues to rise over an extended period of time. A "Bear Market" is one where prices decline by more than 20%. As the downward trend continues, investor optimism is replaced by instead by concern, fear and pessimism. In the midst of all of this concern, and time of unexpected upheaval, Peter doesn’t draw on the imagery of either of the bull or the bear. Instead, he calls us to focus our attention on the Lamb.

Peter tells us, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” Talk about seed that has stood the test of time! There’s a remarkable story behind this statement. Peter reveals a promise that God has fulfilled in love for you that was recorded centuries earlier.

A lot has changed in heart surgery over the years. Today, more and more of it is being doing robotically. It's amazing! Here’s something else that’s amazing but it hasn’t changed at all over the years. When you and I hear God’s Word, in worship and in our devotions at home, the Holy Spirit works on our hearts. And He does it with amazing precision.

For the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, it looked as if someone had poured cold water over all their hopes. In love, Jesus didn’t abandon these disciples to their false hopes and kicking the ashes. Instead, He directed them back into His Word to discover where true hope is to be found. He does the same for you and me as we hear again what our Savior's resurrection is all about.

When Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus He made a point of concealing His identity. Luke tells us, “As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him.” He did it to help them discover something very significant for them and for you and me today.

Today, we live in a culture which tries its best to avoid "bad news." For the disciples on their way to Emmaus, they would have read and heard the promises in the Old Testament. However, if we have different expectations for Jesus from those revealed in Scripture then the crucifixion may seem like bad news and a terrible misfortune. It also explains why so many find Easter confusing and without joy. In love, Jesus reveals the joyful Good News of what having a risen Savior is all about.

The current pandemic has demonstrated how easy it is for false information, rumors and myths to spread. And just like the pandemic itself, it can be harmful. As a result, members of the medical community have been careful to remind us where to look for reliable information. When it comes to our faith, it's also important for you and me to turn to the reliable and authoritative source which God has given to us – His Word, the Holy Scriptures.

Jesus’ resurrection means that you and I have something that cannot be touched by any of the events that cause concern on the evening news. And Peter describes it here in 1 Peter 1:3-4. In dark and uncertain times you have this unshakable certainty from God and it comes as a result of Jesus having walked out of the tomb alive on Easter morning.

When the disciples claimed to have seen our risen Savior, Thomas told them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” And you and I can be glad he did.

On Easter morning, Jesus appeared alive to the disciples. He had just completed the work of your salvation and mine. The first thing Jesus did was to assure the disciples of the peace with God they now had with the forgiveness of sins. And, then, the very next thing that Jesus tells them is that He wants them to go preach repentance and this same forgiveness in His name to everyone else!

On that first Easter morning Jesus made a point of showing the disciples His wounds. It verified that this was truly Jesus who was standing before them. It certified the peace which He just announced. And it ratified the promise of the resurrection He made to them, and to you and me, when He announced, “Because I live, you also will live.”

With all of our technology today, that enables us to take on the phone and video chat, we still experience what our grandparents did before us. We miss having our loved ones, right here, right beside us, in our midst. We still haven’t figured out a way to have them come right through that phone and actually be with us in the room. That would be pretty amazing. But our Risen Savior, who overcame locked doors to be with the disciples is also able to with us, right now, in our midst and in our homes to bring us peace.

Tomorrow is Easter ... Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “Wow, this guy has been cooped up in the house and self-distancing too long.” It’s been said that without the familiar routines of our everyday lives every day seems to blend into the other. And, it’s true, that as a result, a lot of us wake up each morning wondering “What day is it?” But tomorrow is Easter I assure you.

When construction takes place in a rocky area crews must often use explosives. A series of warning whistles are are the announcement that the earth will soon shake. On Easter morning the earth shook. But there were no signal whistles announcing that the earth would shake. And there’s a good reason for that. In this case it was just the opposite. The earthquake itself was the signal to bring attention to a very important announcement.

On Sunday, we celebrated Easter. We joined in giving thanks to God for the resurrection of our Savior. However, with our current circumstances it may not have felt like Easter. It may have felt like Easter was on hold this year. But in Colossians, Paul reminds us that we are more than spectators of the amazing events of our Savior's resurrection. As a result of what Jesus has accomplished for us, here's a celebration that hasn't been put on hold. We live this Easter victory and new life in Christ right now.

Matthew tells us that when the women were returning from the grave, and saw the risen Jesus, "They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshiped Him." They clasped His feet!? Isn't that an interesting detail? It's easy to miss. And yet it's one that Matthew specifically notes here in this verse and it’s a detail that the Holy Spirit inspired him to include when reporting on these events. As it turns out, it's more than simply an interesting bit of trivia. It reveals something that's too amazing to overlook.

Remember learning how to ride a bike? If you look down at your pedals, and everything rushing by your side, it's easy to become overwhelmed and frightened. That's when our wheels begin to wobble and we skin our knees. Life must have seemed really unbalanced and overwhelming for the disciples in those early hours on Easter morning. And everything you and I are facing right now, in this pandemic, might also leave us feeling unsteady and overwhelmed. But here is where the resurrection of our Savior changes everything!

Where is Jesus? Imagine how puzzled the women must have been on Easter morning as they arrived at the grave. Luke reports, “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” John even tells us that Mary stood outside of the tomb crying. Where is Jesus? That same question is being asked today as we celebrate this Easter season in the midst of the pandemic. As we watch the headlines, many have wondered, “Where is Jesus?” The events of Easter provide us with the unshakable and joyful answer.

It’s hard to look at the artwork that depicts Jesus handing on the cross with the two criminals on either side. Like John the disciple, Jesus’ mother, and the women, we are observers who can only look up in tears to watch what unfolds. But imagine what the view was like from up on the cross itself and looking down. Three individuals that day had this unique view. Faith enables you and me to see beyond our circumstances. You may only see your sin, guilt and shame. The reality is that your Savior is right by your side as well.

After His suffering was complete, Matthew tells us that Jesus cried out, bowed His head and died. But then he tells us, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” This was no small event. In fact, it lets you know that it's no longer "curtains for you."

What a meal! On Sunday morning, our congregation has one of the best Easter breakfasts I have ever seen. We have eggs and bacon, fresh fruit, sausage and biscuits, a variety of different kinds of waffles and pancakes, fruit juice and so much more. It’s amazing! And I’m sure that’s the case at your church as well … except this year. With social distancing and staying at home we will have to wait to enjoy this meal together again. That's true for another very special meal that is hosted by our Savior Himself. But what a wonderful day it will be when we get to share it again!

How do you and I follow in Jesus' footsteps this Holy Week? There are a variety of different activities that folks undertake to do this. I try to have in mind what it must have been like as I read through the Gospels. I imagine that you may do the same thing. But you and I are more than mere spectators riding along on a tour bus viewing the sites and sounds of our Savior's Passion. ?Through faith you are actually following in His footsteps. And the apostle Paul describes the amazing manner by which God has brought this about.

Some may have hoped that Jesus was going to flex some muscle when He made His entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. They may have hoped that He would have used a more powerful looking mode of transportation in keeping with being the all powerful Son of God. However, it’s easy to lose sight of what our Savior came to accomplish. So, instead of thundering into town on a mighty war horse, Jesus entered the city on a donkey ... and here's why.

A lot of folks don’t want to think about the terrifying events of Good Friday, and our Savior's crucifixion, when they think of Palm Sunday. It’s nice to wave palms, sing triumphant songs and let it stop there. But then, you really do have a parade that’s too short. As tempting as it might be to see this as a “victory parade,” the victory was still ahead. This parade continues to the cross, empty tomb ... and into eternity!

It’s important for you and me to hear God’s Word of sin and grace, how Jesus’ death and resurrection has won for us forgiveness of sins, that He is with us even in death, and the assurance we have of everlasting life. With the same joyful anticipation that we discuss our plans for a family trip one day, it’s good that the day of the resurrection also becomes a familiar and comfortable part of our conversation.

In John’s Gospel we hear that Jesus told the disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” John then tells us, “Jesus had been speaking of his death, but His disciples thought He meant natural sleep. So then He told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead.’” So why would Jesus use this picture of Lazarus 'sleeping' when in fact He knew that His friend had died?

It’s Theme Thursday! And today we’re looking at “Famous Sayings That Aren’t In The Bible.” Here’s a popular phrase that brings a smile and a wonderful sense of solidarity: “We are all God's children.” However, because it is sufficiently vague, it can be understood in two different ways – one which finds its basis securely in Scripture, and another which is completely false and denies God’s Word.

Imagine if you could travel back in time exactly one year to April 1, 2019. If you could visit yourself last year, on this day, how would you describe what life is like on today in 2020? Would you believe it? Or would you dismiss it as an April Fool’s Day joke? In the same way, don't let looking foolish discourage you when you're sharing the Good News of God's great rescue with those you love. Here are the means by which God makes us, and them, wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Does God still do amazing miracles ... I mean a "stop-the-presses" kind of miracle – like raising Lazarus from the dead? Yes he does! Would you like to see an example? Take a look in the mirror.

The people lamented, “Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.” There was nothing left to resuscitate. How could it get any more hopeless? But God showed Ezekiel an amazing vision with a wonderful promise. And if the guilt of your sins has ever left you feeling that there is no longer any hope for you and your forgiveness, you will want to hear this.