Life This Side of Heaven

In Genesis, we’re reminded how God formed us from the dust of the earth. However, in Jeremiah’s time, just as in our own, instead of willing to be shaped by God, folks set out to fashion gods of their own making. They decided to take on the role of the potter instead of the clay. Is it any wonder, when we do, that we find our lives collapsing in around us like a failed clay creation on a wheel. However, when this happened to the nation, God didn’t throw up His hands. And He hasn’t thrown up His hands with you and me either.

“Those were the days!” Of course, that leads to the question: Which days? It's a useful question to ponder as we begin this Season of Advent and hear the words of Isaiah the prophet.

Have you seen Jesus today? How about yesterday? It’s no surprise that as God’s children you and I long to see our Savior’s face. Until that day, when He returns again in glory, we’re going to have to wait. However, Jesus assures you there are times in this life when you and I get a glimpse of our Savior – even though we’re not aware of it.

One of the verses that often raises eyebrows in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is this: "The last enemy to be destroyed is death." Why does that seem strange? It's seems strange because, right now, death seems to have the upper hand in this life. On the day our Savior returns in glory we will see firsthand how thoroughly it has been defeated.

What are you doing here? It's the kind of question you ask when someone is clearly in the wrong place. It's the kind of question you're glad to hear when the one asking it is there to rescue you. Here's the situation that makes you glad to realize that you have loving God, a searching Savior.

It’s the Friday after Thanksgiving! And chances are good that your fridge is bursting with leftovers from the feast. Of course, the further out you and I get from the celebration there will be fewer and fewer leftovers until every remnant of the feast is gone. That’s how it works. But how does it work when it come to the Feast of the Lord’s Supper?

What do you see? That’s the question that’s posed when you’re looking at an “Ambiguous Image.” An ambiguous image is a picture that can be seen in more than one way. The Parable of the Talents is remarkable as it reveals how the different people in it view the master. By God's grace, knowing the salvation that God has given us in our Savior enables you and me to see the coming of the Son of Man, and His coming, in a whole knew way.

When it comes to the timing surrounding the Day of the Lord the matter is not "if," but "when." In Matthew, Jesus Himself makes it clear, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” However, Paul reminds of the comforting certainty that is ours in Christ – certainty in the midst of uncertainty.

How much longer will it be before Jesus returns again in glory? On the day our Savior ascended into heaven the angels assured the disciples, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” And while they went back to Jerusalem praising God, you can be sure that Christians ever since have been wondering, “How many more days will pass until that joyful celebration?”

What do you say to a Christian friend, or family member, who has lost a loved one? If you’ve ever felt this struggle, you’ll be glad to know that so have generations of well-meaning, faithful folks before you. The Christians at Thessalonica, to whom Paul wrote these words, had a strong faith that touched every part of their lives. But even they struggled with how best to comfort one another during times of grief. So Paul provided them with clarity as to what comes next. Just as they were good at sharing the faith, the apostle wanted them to be comfortable at sharing the solid hope we have when someone we love dies in faith.

In Amos’ day, excitement was also starting to build. Folks could hardly wait for the coming Day of the Lord. They imagined that it would be a bright and shining day of celebration – a party to beat them all. However, the prophet wanted them to know that they were not prepared for what they thought they would be celebrating. It would be day of darkness. Thankfully God has given us a Savior, who has faced the darkness for us, and in whom we are prepared.

Living in the age of social media has revealed our desire to be seen, followed, and even admired, by others. In fact, it’s given rise to a whole new group of people known as influencers. As modern as all this may sound, the concept has been around for quite some time. Here in Matthew, Jesus pointed to the influencers of their day – the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees. He notes, “Everything they do is done for men to see." However, God has given us something greater to see – a Savior, whose life, death for us on the cross, and resurrection, has brought us salvation.

Here in John’s first letter, the apostle wants us to know who we are – children of God through faith in our Savior. That’s pretty big stuff. Although, don’t be surprised if the world doesn’t recognize you. It didn't recognize Jesus. As you can see in the news, it has its own identity problems. However, even though the world doesn't know us, we can help the world know about Him.

Now we are children of God! What a remarkable phrase! It’s so rich, warm and comforting. But what exactly does it mean?

Here in Philippians, Paul wants you to have a glimpse of something special. At first it may sound as if he is simply saying, “Think happy thoughts,” but it’s much better than that! It gives us a glimpse of “the difference between here and heaven” and the great love of our Savior right now and all that is to come! You can watch the three and a half-minute video mentioned in the devotion at https://www.tnvacation.com/tn-fall-color You are invited to copy and paste the address in your web browser.

Today, November 1, is All Saints’ Day. It follows right on the heals of Reformation Day. And it wasn’t by accident that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, or 95 Points of Debate, onto the door of the castle church the night before, on October 31. It's a day that reminds us that you and I grieve, but with a real and certain hope. It's a remarkable annual celebration of the eternal joy that God has given us in our Savior's death for us and His resurrection.

Reformation Day is a lot like Greek grammar. There’s more here than meets the eye. That’s because the two of them have something very important in common. And it makes all the difference in the world!

Do you still cheat on your homework? Hey, wait a minute! On the surface, that sounds like an innocent question. But there’s nothing innocent about it. Matthew records an instance in which Jesus was given loaded question. His remarkable reply is an answer loaded with blessings!

Have you ever experienced an Escape Room? Escape Rooms are a popular form of entertainment. You, and a team of players, are locked in themed room filled with clues. You work together to find clues, solve puzzles and complete tasks in order to escape. Of course, win or lose, everyone gets out. However, Isaiah describes a captivity so formidable that our escape would not have been achieved were it not for our powerful and loving God.

A number of years ago, a coffee company came up with a catchy slogan to describe the process it uses to select its coffee beans. Interestedly, it sounded a lot like a familiar phrase that Jesus used in Matthew where He says, "For many are called, but few are chosen." However, these similar sounding phrases are actually quite different - and you can be glad that they are!

Do you ever wish you could have got in on the ground floor, and bought stock in of one of today’s major companies? It's a popular dream and it even shows up as a theme in movies. You can't help but wonder, “What would it be like today, if I knew then, what I know now?” Isaiah answers that question with respect to something far greater than the stock market. (R)

When Paul invites us to think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable," it's soothing get away from the bad news that surrounds us, take a walk, and enjoy the changing color of the leaves - at least for a little while. However, while that’s true for you and me, it certainly wasn’t the case for Paul in prison. As the apostle continues, here in Philippians, it soon becomes clear that he is pointing to a source of an enduring peace that comes even in the midst of whatever we may face. (R)

Do you want to know a secret? As soon as we hear that word it peaks our interest. The apostle has the inside scoop and we want to know what it is. In these verses he shares with us the secret of being content. However, in our culture of short soundbites, it’s easy to hear this verse and quickly assume we’ve heard his secret before he reveals what it actually is. (R)

Matthew records an interesting parable that Jesus shared on Tuesday of Holy Week. Jesus described wicked tenants who tried to seize the vineyard as their own. When the master of the house sent out servants to collect his portion of the crop, these tenants beat them, stoned them and killed them. Knowing full well that this same reception awaited whomever he sent next, have you ever scratched your head and wondered, "Why, then, did he send his son?" What resulted is amazing!

In Philippians, despite the trying circumstances he was facing in which it would appear that he had lost everything, Paul wants his readers to know that he actually has everything.

What does it take to restore a vineyard? It's an undertaking, and investment, that is bigger than most people imagine. In Scripture, God describes the undertaking, and investment, that went into restoring you and me to everlasting life. And through faith you can be sure that it's an investment that God made for you, in love, when He sent His Son.

Entropy. Do remember hearing that term back in school when you were sitting in science class? It refers to the idea that unless outside energy is provided, everything in the universe moves from order to disorder. What’s true for physics and chemistry also seems to describe what we see and experience in our culture each day. However, this is the result of sin. You and I have a Savior who, through His love, brings light, life and forgiveness – and restores the bonds our relationship Him and with one another.

As trappers in the past discovered, there is a peril that can easily befall a bear hunter – and that’s the danger of being caught in your own trap. The chief priests and the elders of the people discovered this when they tried to set a trap for Jesus. Folks still try the same thing today. However, by God's grace, we have a Savior who has pried apart even the jaws of death and brought us life and forgiveness in Him.

Have you ever found yourself playing the “Blame Game”? That’s the game which begins when someone blunders or makes a bad decision. Someone makes a bad decision or fails and the game is underway. Then everyone points there finger at each other as they try to avoid the blame and pin it on someone else. Sound familiar? In the Blame Game everyone loses. But in love, God shows us instead how to taste victory.

Believe it or not, it’s now less than ninety days until Christmas. Of course, if you’ve been out shopping, you already know that. Side-by-side in the stores are the skulls and skeleton decorations for Halloween with trees and tinsel for December! We live in a culture which is obsessed with candy and toys. However, while we may scoff at all this it may actually cloud our understanding of God’s grace. To illustrate this, and refresh our understanding and appreciation for God's generous grace, Jesus told the disciples a revealing parable.

You can’t take it with you. Have you ever heard that phrase? It’s an encouragement for folks to enjoy their money or possessions today because you can’t take any of them with you when you die. For you and me it means taking another look at what we consider to be precious in this life. That's what Paul did. And he discovered something you and I CAN take with us!

The call to repentance is not simply a warning to turn away from sin. It’s also a joyful invitation to turn to God and His merciful love. And the best part of all? God's mercy isn't hard to find. God Himself has made sure of it.

It’s not hard to tell what was on Peter’s mind when he asked Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?” Like us, he wondered how often we should forgive someone when they sin against us. And at what point do we say, “That’s it! No more!

Today, it’s become common to hear believers say, “You don’t have to belong to a church family to be a believer.” It has become tempting for Christians to want to ‘go it alone.’ But the apostle reminds us that Jesus has called us into community with one another in His body, the Church. In fact, he tells us that we belong to God – and to each other.

After everything that Joseph endured at the hands of his brothers, it’s small wonder that they were terrified when the came face-to-face with him again years later. They naturally assumed, “It’s payback time!” However, what followed left them surprised, relieved and in tears. It was “payback time,” but of a very different nature. Episode artwork courtesy of FreeBibleImages.org Used by permission.

If attendance was down at church last week, you may have looked around, shrugged your shoulders and given this this bit of encouragement: “Well, as Jesus says, ‘Where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.’” Although we often quote this verse when thinking about worship, it actually about more than that. It's a remarkable promise from our Savior, a much-needed encouragement when we need to confront someone we love about their sin.

The governing authorities. Just mere mention of the words ‘politician,’ or ‘government,’ these days results in high blood pressure, red faces, grinding teeth, and simmering anger. And folks tend to ask, “Can things get any worse?” In Paul's day, the leader of the empire was Nero! So, how can he, here in Romans, describe the governing authorities as "God's servants"?

There's a commercial on TV for a pet food company that makes you laugh. However, it also makes you squirm when we realize how often it sounds like us a Christ's disciples. The disciples argued amongst themselves as to who was the best and even who was to be considered the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Thankfully, we have a Savior who rescues us from this preoccupation by giving us a better perception of those in our midst. He leads us to see others as He sees them – sinners just like us in need of a Savior.

“Taste death.” Isn’t that a remarkable phrase? It’s one that our Savior used here following Peter’s remarkable confession of faith. But it came after Jesus needed to rebuke His disciple when he refused to hear what came next. He couldn’t comprehend how the Christ, the Son of the living God, would have to die on a cross? He couldn’t understand why Jesus would want to “taste death.”

Here in Romans, Paul provides insight on how to deal with wounds. There is no shortage of occasions in life when someone will hurt us. Harsh words spoken in anger, or as gossip, can cut deep. Things that people do to us can leave lasting scars. The emotional pain that comes with it can linger for years. Just being reminded of them can be like adding salt to the wound. So how do you and I deal with them?

Job once used this image of an undependable water source to describe his unhelpful friends. Now Jeremiah hurled this same complaint before God! At this point, you can’t help but think, “Excuse me, Jeremiah. I think I’m going to stand over there before the lighting strikes!” The prophet tell us what led him to his hurt and mistaken confusion. However, take a look at what happened next.

When Andrew introduced his brother to our Savior, John tells Jesus gave his brother the name Cephas, which when translated means "Peter." Peter is a great name. It means “rock.” And on this day, here in Matthew, we can understand why.

Here in Romans, Paul addressed the congregation about a something that concerns all Christians. He addressed them individually – about individualism. Surrounded by a competitive culture which makes each person the center of their own universe, the temptation was to lose sight of their mutual connections. Sound familiar?

For the folks of Israel, living in exile in Babylon, it must have seemed as if all was lost. The Temple was destroyed, and the people themselves had be carried off. It was a dark and bleak time for the people as they struggled to see what was next on the horizon. In their sin, they had forgotten the important role He had given to them of being a beacon of light for the nations. But God reminded them of His promise –the light of His mercy in our Savior– which cannot be extinguished. And it continues to shine brightly this day!

Wait a minute, did Jesus just call a woman a “dog” here in Matthew? Your feel your head snap back and you wonder, “Ouch, why would Jesus say that?” It’s seems surprising. But everything about this encounter is surprising.

How many of you have shared the fantastic news of salvation in Christ – only to find yourself rebuffed and God’s gift of grace dismissed? It’s painful, isn’t it? It's particularly painful when members of your own family brush aside your attempts to talk to them about Jesus. It’s hard to watch as they want nothing to do with God’s gift to them of His Son, their Savior. Paul had a somewhat similar experience. What he shares next may sound strange at first but it actually makes perfect sense.

You're all wet! That’s the kind of thing you say to someone if you want to tell them, “You’re mistaken, misguided, foolish.” It's the kind of thing that someone might say to you and me when they hear we follow Christ. Actually, being all "wet" is good thing! Episode Cover Art courtesy of FreeBibleImages Used by permission.

In Romans, Paul quotes what has become one of the more familiar passages from Isaiah. Centuries early, the prophet described the messenger of good news as having "beautiful feet." And in many cases, popular Bible Studies based on this theme will usually include a cover picture a clean, pedicured toes on a sandy beach. However, as evocative as that image is of a peaceful escape to tropical destination, the one which Isaiah painted and which Paul quotes, is much different.

In our sinfulness, it’s easy to think that God has turned away from us, that He no longer hears our prayers, or our cries for mercy. From time-to-time, it’s tempting to think that we’ve said or done something so grievous, so sinful that now all is lost. And we may even find ourselves looking for some sign, any sign, not matter how small, that God might be listening. But God does hears confession and our cries for mercy, and inclines His ear to hear us.

Sometimes, in our fear and weakness, we may find ourselves questioning God’s ways. We may even doubt His love. In Job, the once-prosperous prophet watched as everything he had was wiped away as he suffers wave-after-wave of calamity. His friends assume that Job must have done something to incur God’s wrath for all this to have happened. Job insists that’s not the case, but they’re not convinced. Like many today, they assume that if you do what you’re supposed to do then God owes you. But thankfully, we don't have a God who deals with us according to what we deserve. In love, He deals with us according to His grace.