Life This Side of Heaven

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.

Think of how often faith is presented as one chest-thumping victory over the next. The believer is portrayed as a superhero who is confident, neither stumbles nor falls, and is never troubled in conscience. However, as much as you and I may aspire to this image it’s a little like the boy who runs about the house with a towel around his neck and imagines that he’s a superhero. The reality is that you and I don't wear a cape. God has given us something much better.

Despite these dark days of concern that have come upon us, there have also been rays of light which remind us of what’s important. In fact, it's times like these that can help us to recognize the value of those things that please the Lord.

It’s Theme Thursday! And today we’re looking at “Famous Sayings That Aren’t In The Bible.” There’s a phrase that’s popular among today’s Christians that you won’t find in the Bible: “Give Your Heart To Jesus.” It sounds spiritual enough but it puts the spotlight in the wrong place. The focus of the Gospel is not that you and I have given our heart to Jesus. The Good News is that Jesus has given His life for us.

If you notice, when Jesus healed the blind man he heard our Savior's words. He didn't see Jesus until later. That’s a lot like you and me. You and I haven’t seen Jesus but we have heard His words in Scripture. He has opened our eyes to see, not only the darkness of our sin, but also our salvation. And the day will come when we will also see Him face-to-face.

In Psalm 122, David said, "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'" The truth us, until recently, going to church may have been one of those things that we allowed ourselves to take for granted. These words from David remind us how precious an opportunity it is to worship together and prepare us for the time when we will be blessed to do it once again.

Jesus and the disciples came upon a man who was blind from birth. Like many at that time, the disciples assumed that if something bad like this happened to a person, they must have had it coming. Now you may be thinking, who among us would ever say, “Sick people are ill because they’re bigger sinners than everyone else”? But, surprisingly, we often have no problem falling into the trap of believing the opposite is true. So Jesus took this golden opportunity to correct this common misunderstanding.

Does God need to be forgiven? God is often accused of being cold, uncaring – and even cruel. On a larger scale folks often wonder why God would permit so much of the suffering that we see around us. We see the devastating effects of sickness as well as storms and disasters. When you and I are engulfed in grief it’s easy not to notice how quickly the devil shows up on our doorstep. He's often successful at misleading us into believing that God Himself is the enemy, and source of our pain and grief. But you and I have a Savior who is with us and for us.

On this day in Samaria a lone woman made her way to the well to get water. John tells us that it was the sixth hour, high noon, when the sun would be blazing overhead. Who would come to the well at this hour? Someone who was hoping not to run into anyone else – or at least anyone she knew. But here's Jesus, who made it a point to be there at that very moment, and who knew her thirst for sin. He came to bring her the eternal refreshment of forgiveness. He also brings this very same soothing mercy to you and me this day in His Word.

It’s Theme Thursday! And today we’re looking at “Famous Sayings That Aren’t In The Bible.” Here’s a phrase that may be more popular in some circles than others: “When praises go up, blessings come down.” It’s said to be based on Psalm 67. However, if you look at this psalm you won't find this premise. Instead of a barter for blessings or a trade for treats, it's actually a wonderful mission prayer.

Rejoice in our sufferings? Who does that? Well, the apostle Paul to be specific. In fact, the word which is translated as “rejoice,” Romans 5:2, actually means “boast.” And you don’t boast about something unless it’s a good thing. So what does the apostle mean?

There’s also a tendency to attach all sorts of legends to saints and Patrick is no exception. Probably the most famous legends that surrounds St. Patrick is the story of how he drove all the snakes out of Ireland. But, to be fair, in real life Patrick would have worked tirelessly to drive out the the one snake that is a constant menace throughout the world. It's something he would have done it with the Word of God – something you do every time you have the opportunity to share the Gospel with your loved ones.

"Truth or Consequences." What an unusual name for a desert town in New Mexico! However, this name might have been a good name for the spot in the desert where the Israelites grumbled against God ... if things had turned out differently. Instead, it's a comforting reminder of God's power and presence in our lives.

“Here’s a present for everyone!” Do you remember those gifts when you were a kid? Let’s be honest, it was tempting to hear that phrase, “Here’s a present for everyone,” and immediately tune out because you it didn't sound like something that specifically included you. And maybe that’s how it sounded when you first heard these words spoken to Abram in Genesis. But take another look. Now notice how these words comes into wonderful focus as we hear again the promise given John 3:16, and the gift that God gave for you, for me and for "the world."

Nicodemus came to Jesus to learn more about the kingdom of God. Our Savior said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” In other words, unlike so many activities, entrance into the kingdom of God is not a Do-It-Yourself project. And that's a good thing!

It's Theme Thursday and we're looking at "Famous Sayings That Aren’t In The Bible." One familiar phrase that you may hear occasionally is, "When God Closes A Door, He Opens a Window." The phrase implies that if an opportunity to fulfill one of your goals ceases to exist, another opportunity will soon be made available. In the end, the hope is that God will always enable us to achieve our hopes and dreams. But, does the Bible actually make this promise?

In this verse from John’s Gospel, Jesus assures and says, “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world.” Jesus didn't come to slap a condemned sign on us. That sign went up a long time ago. What makes God’s sending His Son into the world so amazing is He did this, as Jesus goes on to say, “to save the world through Him.” Jesus came to take the condemned sign off of you and me and put it on Himself.

The familiar words of our Savior in John 3:16 are often understood as meaning, “Wow, God really, really loves the world. He loves it SOOO much.” But this little word, "so," actually connects it to His words that follow. It's the kind of little word that leaves us on the edge of our seat, wanting to hear more, and discovering the second half of the verse which tells us the amazing answer to the question, "How so?