Life This Side of Heaven

It’s tempting to think that Jesus died for the sins of those who would one day pay Him back. If that were the case, then faith would be a competition to see who brings the most skills, experience, and accomplishments to the table. But, in a very memorable way, Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is about redemption, not a resume.

You’ll be relieved to know that there isn’t going to be a test on the Bible when we get to heaven. But you can be absolutely sure that there will be plenty of times that life’s going to test you and me along the way. Difficult times, false teaching and more can lead us to lose sight of the love that God has for us and the incredible salvation that is ours through faith. So here's why the apostle Paul reminds us, "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." It's God Himself who graciously invites us to a lifetime of learning and growing in His Word.

Throughout the account of creation in Genesis a joyous refrain can be heard. We hear it no less than five times: “And God saw that it was good.” I’ll say! That Hebrew phrase means, “It was perfect!” But now here’s something that may surprise you. There is one point in creation where this was not the case. There was actually a moment in which God said, “it is not good.” What God did next is nothing short of amazing.

One request that I received more than any other during my time serving in the Lord’s ministry was this: “Pray for me.” You can be sure that I was always grateful for the request and happy to pray alongside a fellow-brother or sister in Christ. However, every once in a while the request was made with the mistaken assumption that my prayer would count for more before God than theirs. Well, wait until you hear who the one is that this verse is talking about!

“Why is it always the same few people who do all the work?” Have you found yourself asking that question at church? On the other hand, have ever run into the situation where many folks show up and you ask, "Hey, who said that they could help?"

We live in a world that when it spots trouble, prefers to ignore it and say, “It’s not my business.” And yet, it can’t get enough of that same person’s business when it comes to gossip. But James reminds us what needs to be done if a brother or sister in Christ is in trouble. And he also helps to clear up a common misunderstanding concerning an interesting and wonderful phrase that he uses.

Today, many folks, including Christians, are afraid to ask important questions about death – and not about Jesus’ death, but also their own. But thankfully, through faith and God's gift to us in our Baptism, both of these events are connected! And Jesus has set time aside for us to ask those questions. It’s today.

Do you remember the promise of flying cars? Wouldn’t that be amazing! It sure would be nice for those times we're stuck in a traffic jam with folks cutting each other off, envying those who were further ahead, and jockeying to see who could get in front of the other. James hints at a similar situation. In our culture where everyone is out for themselves there’s going to be plenty of folks trying to cut each off in their rush to the top. It leads to frayed nerves and frustration. Tempers flare and resentment sets in. So, what’s the answer? James tells us!

Say what? Praying for vengeance? Doesn’t this seems a little bloodthirsty and “out of place” with the Gospel? But here’s the thing: Jeremiah isn’t alone in giving voice this anger. There are many passages just like these in the writings of the prophets and in the Psalms. It's tempting to want to skip passages like this. However, since God's word reminds us that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," let’s do the heavy lifting instead, and discover why He included verses like this in His Word.

It’s one thing to have faith when our lives are calm, like a stroll along the side of a scenic river on a beautiful day in June. It’s another thing altogether when something unexpected takes place and our lives are thrown into turmoil. When faith feels like it’s loosing it’s hold, when doubt swirls around us and it feels like our grip is about to slip, God shows us where to look. He reminds us who is holding who.

Open your mouth and say ‘Ahhh’.” Have you ever wondered why your family doctor likes to look inside your mouth? Apparently, it can reveal symptoms of all sorts of things, like a vitamin deficiency, an infection, or even oral cancer. As a doctor examines our tongue to get a glimpse of what’s going on inside of our bodies, James reminds us our tongues often reveal a deeper problem – namely our heart. But now, listen to the healing words that have come from the mouth of our Savior.

The Father Himself declared His crucified Son to be righteous by raising Him from the dead. Any accusation made against our sinless Savior is full of holes. This is really good news for you and me! Through faith in our Savior, who died and rose for us, there’s no one left who can accuse and condemn you either!

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking that life would be a paradise if we didn’t have diseases like cancer, diabetes, or mental health crises and so many more, Jesus agrees and draws our attention to the cross. While we celebrate when a loved one is healed, and when someone in danger is rescued, we are blessed with an even greater healing, a rescue that’s eternal and for everyone.

In Ephesians, Paul says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” But in James we hear,, “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” So, which is it? Are we saved by faith alone or faith plus works? Have we stumbled upon a contradiction? Actually, there’s no contradiction at all. In fact, these truths are in perfect harmony.

According to the commentary on a famous painting, the artist wished to to convey the message that “the course of justice is relentless if sometimes slow.” It certainly must have felt that way for the faithful who were living in Isaiah’s day in the midst of hostile circumstances. It may fill us will fears of fear and fury. It may even leave us wanting to take matters into our own hands. However, Isaiah reminds us of who is coming. He says, “with divine retribution He will come to save you.” But when it comes to justice and retribution, God reminds us that He's got this. Instead of finding ourselves preoccupied with these thoughts, we can direct our attention elsewhere. In fact, here's what replaces our fear with encouragement and brings eternal joy.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of making our faith all a matter of outward appearance. Everything from how we dress to how we fold our hands may give the appearance that we’re very pious. But if our hearts are filled with grudges, anger, jealously, sinful thoughts, and pride, then we're putting on a show and it's no more effective than turning our t-shirt inside out to hide stains. Jesus has something better in mind.

In the world of international relations, ambassadors often wore diplomatic uniforms. This attire was resplendent with each individual nation’s unique culture, tradition and symbolism. But there is one adornment that was not a part of the diplomatic uniforms of any nation – chains. Nevertheless, the apostle Paul described himself as “an ambassador in chains.” Amazingly, he didn't bemoan this situation. He recognized that even when God’s servants are in chains the Gospel itself cannot be bound. And if you are sick, bed-bound or a shut-in, and it feels like your hands are tied, Paul reminds us that you are still blessed with an active and important part in the sharing the Gospel.

The devil works hard to separate you from God's precious gift to you of a Savior and your salvation in Him. The goal of his attacks is to have you forget what Jesus had done for you and the forgiveness He brings. He tempts you to look to yourself, you sins, and despair. But here’s where our brother Paul reminds you of the remarkable gift that God has given to you in your Baptism. You have a shield!

Here in Mark, Jesus describes a manmade custom that is no longer familiar. And at first, it sounds like the gold standard of pious worship. For someone to declare a portion of their wealth as “Corban” was to declare that it was now set aside as a gift to God. Doesn’t that sound inspiring? You can be sure that folks marveled at back then as well. However, the intentions behind this practice weren’t as pure as they appeared. The true gold-standard of pious worship was what Jesus has done for you and me.

After a full day of healing and proclaiming the Kingdom of God and God's eternal rescue from sin, the Pharisees complained that the disciples didn't wash their hands. This had nothing to do with hygiene. What they were referring to was the their custom of ceremonial washing. Now, as you hear this, you may be thinking to yourself, “Well, how ridiculous!” And you would be right! Instead of focusing on the outpouring of God’s love and His kingdom of mercy present right there in their midst, they were dithering over details in their traditions and customs. But then again, take a closer look at some of our own customs.

The Great Pottery Throw Down is a British television competition that has become hugely popular. Each week a selection of Britain's best home potters compete to become champion ‘of the pottery.’ However, despite all of the skills displayed, and all of the different types of pots are created, there is one thing that remains consistent. None of the pots formed themselves. There are no “self-made pots.” Here’s what makes God’s question to Israel, then, leap off the page in Isaiah. It also reminds us what it means that God has created and formed us. It also helps us to more fully appreciate His love.

One of the best-known, and well-loved, of the flowers that bloom each year in late Spring is one called the Bleeding Heart. A "bleeding heart" is also a popular adjective used to describe someone who is sympathetic to the poor and suffering. Here in the Psalms, the David describes a “broken heart.” When you find yourself brokenhearted, crushed in spirit because of your sins, God directs your attention to a bleeding heart. No, not the one in your garden, but the One who bled for you on the cross. Here is our Savior who hears our cry for mercy. Here is real comfort and salvation for brokenhearted sinners like you and me.

Foods described as containing ‘empty calories’ are usually those which are chock full of sugars and solid fats. But if you read the label, what’s missing are essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Here in Ephesians, Paul sounds the alarm about something that may feed our cravings but leaves us famished: Empty words.

Submit! That’s something one kid might say to another if they’re having a fight. One kid will pin another to ground, sit on them, or bend their arm behind their back – to make them stop resisting and give up. Which makes you raise you eyebrow then when Paul uses this term here in Ephesians. On the surface, the, the word ‘submit’ sounds like something that someone does only when they’re forced. But there’s actually a good and gracious reason why the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to use precisely this term.

The image of dying, and walking toward a blinding light in the distance, has become a popular staple of our culture. It shows up in popular movies and even a video that swept social media and which some Christians have described as "heartwarming." However, what God has revealed to us in His Son about what is to come, and recorded for us in His Word, is far more encouraging and much more comforting!

What is your favorite aroma? Is it the smell of the burning wood from an August campfire? What about the scent of a sizzling steak on the barbecue? Do you prefer the puff of perfume or the cologne worn by your spouse? You might be pleased to know how often in Scripture we hear about "an aroma pleasing to the LORD." And it's one you and I get to share.

"I've had enough." You can hear the distress in Elijah’s words. The Hebrew word for “enough” in this text is an adverb meaning “much.” And ironically, the idioms we use in English, to describe this feeling tend to include food. So, maybe it's not such a surprise to hear that the next thing that took place is that God fed the prophet. And He feeds us too when we're feeling "fed up."

The Israelites did it repeatedly. Job did it. So did Jonah. Come to think of it, so did Elijah. And when the disciples were be tossed about in a boat during a storm at sea they did it too. When we're afraid, we panic, grumble and complain. We fall into the trap of "misdirected muttering." But look at what God has done, and continues to do, to replace our fear with faith.

When’s the last time you checked the expiration dates on your food? Have your ever grabbed something from your pantry and discovered that it’s probably no longer good? Here in John’s Gospel, Jesus had just miraculously fed a very large crowd that had come out to hear Him preach. Many were looking simply for another meal. Jesus told them, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." In love, our gracious Savior now directed their attention to the food that doesn’t come with an expiration date.

What a frightening image! Pictures of infants sleeping gently on a blanket in a basket are a favorite of photographers. But imagine that same basket being tossed about, helplessly, on ocean waves. And yet, this is the terrifying portrait that Paul paints to describe what it’s like whenever a child of God falls prey to false teaching. Does that sound like hyperbole?

In Ephesians, Paul says, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” How exactly do we do that? How is it possible for us to comprehend something so great?

Two weeks ago, folks woke up around the globe and were faced with what's come to be known as the "Blue Screen of Death." As one expert told reporters at NBC, “Pretty much anybody, regardless of their level of computer savviness, knows that when you see that traditional old-school Blue Screen of Death, something has gone very badly wrong.” In Noah's day, when the skies clouded up and the rain began, it was abundantly evident that something had gone very badly wrong. However, take a look at what God has now put in that sky and the incredible thing He has also done to put things right!

"It's a ghost!" Now, as you heard from Mark that the disciples cried out with these words, do you find yourself shaking your head? It sure seems out of place! What on earth would make the disciples cry out like school children and think that they’d seen a ghost? Well, let’s put ourselves their place.

Are you planning to have a barbecue this weekend? If you are, then here’s something you’ll want to consider: Have you got enough food? After the crowds had spent the day hearing Jesus proclaim the Good news of salvation, it must have seemed reasonable to the disciples to ask Him to now send them on their way to find something to eat. It must have left them, at first, with a pit in their stomach as He told them, "You give them something to eat."

“Coming Soon!” Just those words alone, on a sign at a construction site, can build excitement. Here in Ephesians, Paul announced some tremendous Good News about a very exciting construction project underway. However, unlike a sign that reads “coming soon,” the apostle could have erected a billboard that read, “Coming .. Right Now”!

Drovers. Do you know those are? Chances are good you do if you've ever watched a cowboy movie. And if you have, you know that there are good ones and bad ones. One drives the sheep and cattle off and the other ensures that they arrive safely at their destination. God described just such an image for the prophet Jeremiah.

“Don’t kill the messenger!” Have you ever heard that phrase? It’s a plea not to punish the person who brings the message in anger instead of addressing the unwelcome information or difficult truth it contains. Mark records the beheading of John the Baptizer, a prophet who was killed for the message of repentance and faith that he proclaimed. However, take a look at how Mark has nestled this account into the midst of another. It reveals uplifting good news, something so important that's too good to miss!

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” “Ya, but what happened before that?” That’s one of those great Bible Study questions that comes up from time-to-time. Did you know that God has given us the answer to that question?

Have you ever wondered at what point folks looked at Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa and realized that something wasn’t quite right? At some point they would have discovered that it’s not standing upright. It’s crooked. In Scripture, the word to describe this is “iniquity.” And God's Word uses it to describe our sin. Bu wait until you hear what God has done about it!

Ezekiel announced not only God’s judgement on sin but also His grace and mercy. The seed of God’s Word has remarkably more power than we often realize. When you and I share what Jesus has done for us it’s more than simply passing along information. Even in the face of rock hard resistance, God’s Word is powerful and effective and able to accomplish what it proclaims.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul rejoices in one of the useful reminders that God placed in his life. He doesn’t describe it with great clarity but one thing’s for certain, it’s wasn’t a sticky note. The reality is that God’s grace is often seen most clearly in our lives, not in the glorious experiences we imagine, but when you and I are in knee-deep in the midst of our weaknesses.

The folks in Jesus' hometown were amazed by His teaching and miracles but as they considered how He had grown up in their midst, they took offense at Him. Mark tells us that Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. However, the fact that Jesus, true God from eternity took on our human flesh to become true man and rescue us from our sins was not only necessary, it's a remarkable source of comfort. In fact, it's amazing!

Jairus and his wife must have been thrilled to hear their daughter's first words. Twelve years later it appeared as though they had heard her last. However, Jesus made sure that death did not have the last word when it came to their little girl. And thanks to our Savior's death and resurrection, it no longer has the last word with you and me.

“Parsnips are for poor people.” I have to laugh whenever I hear that phrase because it’s actually on a plaque in my daughter’s home. It was a gift to her from from one of her friends who evidently doesn’t like parsnips as much as she does. However, it's true that by the sixteenth century, parsnips had become a staple among the poor in Europe. Nevertheless, they're actually quite tasty. There are some who feel that Christianity is another one of those things that's for poor people. However, they're actually right! But it has nothing to do with what's in your wallet or bank account.

“I don’t know how much more I can take.” Has life left you feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes, well-meaning friends may try to comfort you by saying, “God never gives you more than you can handle.” As nice as that sounds, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Scripture passage which says this. However, what He does say is something far greater and far more comforting!

When the winds and waves were whipping around them the disciples asked Jesus, "Don't You care if we drown?" Now, having stilled the storm, and demonstrated clearly His care for them, Jesus had a question of His own for the disciples: “Do you still have no faith?” In other words, “Do you still not trust Me?” And as they looked out now, over the once stormy sea now glassy calm, I’ll bet that was an uncomfortable question to hear. But it's also a good one for us to ask ourselves. Do you and I trust our Savior and the promises He has given to us in His Word?

Don’t You care? That’s one of two questions, three actually, that were asked as Jesus and the disciples took a boat ride late one night on the Sea of Galilee. And all three of them are helpful to keep in mind whenever you and I find ourselves frightened and feeling abandoned by our Savior. Let’s look at this first question today. (Join us for our next devotion on Friday as we take a look at the second, and third questions asked during this stunning event.)

In Job, the prophet found himself stricken by crushing loss and crippling illness. And if you’ve ever found yourself experienced loss, faltering finances or diminished health, you may have found yourself confronted by some tough questions. You may have even wanted to give God a piece of your mind. Well, you might be surprised to know that God has a few choice words for us.

Tent camping. Just the image of it ignites your sense of adventure. Stunning scenery, fresh air, sleeping under the stars and camp fires. However, if you've lost your home, tent camping isn’t the summertime adventure that comes to mind. The apostle Paul, a tent-maker by trade, likened these bodies to tents that wear out. With joy, he points us to the resurrection and our heavenly home to come.

In describing the kingdom of God Jesus compared it to a mustard seed. The seed itself is tiny. You can’t help but sigh and think, “Is that it?” However, what appears to be weak and unimpressive brings about remarkable results.