Life This Side of Heaven

God told Ezekiel of what was to come and gave him the important task of sounding the storm warning of impending judgement.  This involved more than simply setting off a siren.  God also made clear His eagerness to rescue people from their sins.  The last thing He wanted was for them was to perish. For you and for me, just as it was for the prophet, we're called not only to warn of God's impending wrath for sins, but also announce God's full and complete forgiveness for all who repent and look to Him for mercy.

When Jesus said to the disciples, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” it would have made them recoil.  And it's a bracing, bucket of water in the face for those who think that following Jesus means a life earthly blessings, ease and prosperity.  This was a reality check.  Following Jesus includes hardship, but it doesn't end with it. Following Jesus means first the cross, then the crown. Episode Art by Jan van 't Hoff, www.gospelimages.com via FreeBibleImages.org

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. " Is Paul adding even more things you must do to an already full laundry list of activities you have accomplish this week? If that's true, then this verse is a burden and not a blessing. It may surprise you to discover that what apostle is describing is actually a remarkable gift from God that's yours right now as you navigate the events of this coming day.

Jeremiah asked God if He is a deceptive brook. Is God unreliable?  Chances are good that most of us have been let down at some point in our lives by those we thought we could depend upon.  We counted on them, but they weren't there when we needed them.  But can this ever be true of God?  Has there ever been an occasion in your life when you wondered, “Where is God when I need Him most?”

Jesus rejoiced as Peter confessed that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. And said, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.”  Faith which recognizes that Jesus is our Savior, the Son of the living God, is a gift from God Himself.  And now He went on to tell them something extraordinary – and truly reassuring.  Death doesn't have any hold on those who confess Jesus Christ.

When Paul tells us that we're all members of the body of Christ, each with our own purpose and function, it may sound simplistic.  But it's not.  What Paul is describing is how God has brought life to once dead sinners, like you and me, whose lives have now become living sacrifices of worship. What Paul describes is God at work in us.

There are some things that look like they will endure forever.  That's what makes it so shocking when they don't. You and I may despair when those things that we thought would last forever crumble around us.  As the Israelites looked around them all they could see was the ruins which surrounded them. So, God them to look back. Was He simply telling the Israelites to cheer up remember the good-old days?  No, it was much more than that! God invites you and me to look back to His promise fulfilled at the cross. It's only then that we can look ahead with confidence and rejoice in a salvation that is ours now and will last forever.

“This world is full of crummy people!”  That frustrated response was just one of many that followed a discussion on what many see as a growing problem today – a sense of entitlement. As easy as it is to recognize this "crummy" attitude in others consider for a moment how easy it is for you and me to slip into the same trap. However, here in Matthew, Jesus rejoiced over one woman's "crumby" behavior which recognized that God's grace isn't something to which we're entitled, but is instead His precious gift to us.

Psalm 34, verses 9 and 19, form the Gradual which we sung in church last Sunday and which we'll get to sing again over the next four weeks. It's that small portion of the Psalms in the liturgy which comes before the Gospel and which changes with the season. This gradual reminds us that for those who fear and trust in the Lord, even during the most fearful times in our times in our lives, we have nothing to fear.  David discovered this the hard way. But you might describe what came next as "The Call of the Redeemed."

Everyone Welcome!  Churches often add this line on their sign.  However, is it actually true?  Or is it only aspirational? The answer to that question becomes easy when we recognize that God Himself extends this hospitality.

We know how things turned out for the disciples as the nighttime storm blew in across the Sea of Galilee.  However, for the disciples they couldn't see how they were going to make it to the other side.  And for Peter, it almost looked as if everything was lost.  If you're facing a situation in your life where it's not clear if, or how, you're going to make it through, then you're going to want to have another look at this familiar event in Matthew. Episode Art courtesy of Sweetwater Publishing via FreeBibleImages.org CC BY-SA

Two-factor Authentication (2FA) requires users to verify their identity using two separate methods before gaining access. This usually involves entering a password and then a code is sent to your phone.  If either one is missing, you haven't done what is required and you won't get in. In Romans, has Paul just told us we need to complete a "two-factor authentication" if want access to eternal life? Is he really saying that Jesus has done His part, now it's up to us to do ours to complete the work?  Actually, with these words Paul wants you to take great comfort in knowing Who has verified whom.

What would you say “If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?  The truth belongs to seven billion people.” That's the tagline to a summer blockbuster movie about the possibility of alien life. In interviews leading up to the movie's release it was interesting to see how excited folks can get imagining the even the possibility of such an event. Now consider the exciting reality of our Savior's actual arrival and His promise to come again. You and I have some incredible news to share!

Chances are good that you have a family member, a spouse or a child, or someone you love, who isn't a believer.  It brings great sorrow to know that they don't share the same comfort in difficult times, mercy, joy, the certainty of the resurrection and promise of everlasting life. Regrettably, not all Christians are comfortable talking about and sharing this common plight.  So, it's a blessing that the Holy Spirit led the apostle to share this very personal insight into his own sensitive struggle. And we can see how our Savior's patience and compassion shapes our response.

“Enough is enough.”  Have you ever found yourself saying that?  It's what you might say when you're confronted with a difficult situation.  You may have reached your limit.  You're fed up. As you consider your sins, your daily shortcomings and failure to trust God, have you ever wondered if Jesus feels that way about you? If you have, then you're going to want to hear this. Episode Art by Jan van 't Hoff, Gospel Images CC BY-NC-ND via freebibleimages.org

God uses an image here in Isaiah that brings to mind a food stand in a market place. So, imagine yourself at a farmer's market.  It's a sunny Saturday morning. Your mouth waters as the abundance of colorful fresh produce is stacked up on the stands before you.  But in this picture that God describes it's not blueberries, fresh cantalopes, peppers and squash. It's better! And the cost is covered.

In Matthew, Jesus describes a merchant looking for fine pearls who, when finding one, sells everything he has to purchase it. It's tempting to think that you and I are the merchant in this story, with the priceless gift of God's pardon in our possession. The problem with that, though, is that you and I didn't purchase it. Jesus did.  No, you and I aren't the merchant in this story.  But hold onto your hat as you hear what you are! Episode art by Roxrsch, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Giga Pearl as displayed on gilded octopus statue created by artist Bethany Krull.

It might surprise you to know that Paul has a protest song here in Romans.   But what's he's protesting isn't the military machines of nations battling nations.  He's protesting the relentless attacks that the Adversary brings against you and me.  The devil wars against our spirit, showing us our sins and bringing charges against us in order to make us doubt God's love and forgiveness. But listen to what you and I can sing and shout in response.

Why does a loving God allows troubles in the lives of His children?  That's not usually a question you ask unless you, or someone you love, is knee deep in difficulty. Paul addresses these concerns, here in Romans. It doesn't do any of us good to pretend that the Christian life is free of adversity and affliction.  But here's something incredible to recognize even in the midst of them. It's an incredible promise from God.

Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you?  For a moment you find yourself gasping for breath. It's a terrifying feeling.  But there are other times, and different circumstances in our lives, in which you may have the wind knocked out of us. There are times in our lives when you and I are left gasping to recover from news we've just received.  We may not find it only hard to breathe.  We may even find it difficult to pray.  But listen to who Paul tells us comes to our aid.

The idols and false gods you and I create for ourselves are not rare.  They're as common as they come. But at some point they crumble away. God, our Rock, is not simply rare. This Rock is unique! However, it's more than simply a statement of fact. There's a wonderful reason He wants you to know this. Episode Art: Rare earth oxides of gadolinium, praseodymium, cerium, samarium, lanthanum, and neodymium. Photo courtesy of USDA Agricultural Research Service. Public Domain.

Photographers point out a common dilemma called “focus hunting.”  It's likely you've experienced when you pulled out your camera or held up your smartphone to take a picture. However, it's not just a problem for shutterbugs.  Here in Romans, Paul brings out attention to a spiritual difficulty that's very similar.  It surrounds the issue of suffering. However, what he says next will help to clear things up and keep the big picture before us.

In Psalm 136, says, "His steadfast love endures forever." He states this again, and again – in every single verse, 26 times in all.  Is that too much?  Wouldn't once be enough?  You may be thinking, “I get it.”  But can you ever hear this too often?

Your earth father may not have been loving or caring. You may have even spent a lifetime in vain trying to win his favor and approval. As a result, you may struggle when comes to addressing God in prayer as "Our Father." If this is true for you, then you're going to want to hear what Paul has to say in this text.  It will change the way you pray forever.

Using a familiar, but often overlooked, part of agricultural life, God points out important realities for you and me to keep in mind whenever we share the Gospel. There are days when we may wonder if sharing the Gospel with those we love makes any difference. However, confident that God loves those with whom we share the Gospel, just as much as He loves us, we're blessed to share His powerful Word that is powerfully at work.

The image that Jesus shares with us in this beloved passage may seem detached from the challenges we face in our current situation and what's going on in our lives today.  However, it would be a mistake for you and me to pass off these words as quaint advice for a quieter, sepia tone time in the past.  Our Savior's invitation, here in Matthew, is to all who are weary and worn out.  He's not referring simply to the demands of that time.  This includes all of us whose strength is sapped by the demanding load that's resting on our shoulders today. Episode art by Anna from Eagle, WI, USA, CC BY 2.0

If you're tempted to think of the Christian life as defined only by moments of triumph then chances are good you feel out of place at church and wonder if you really belong. When you stumble and fall, you may even question whether you're a fraud or a failure. But there's a reason that the Holy Spirit led the apostle to record these words in Romans for you and me to hear.

In Psalm 145, David gives thanks that you and I have a God who catches us when we fall and lifts us up.  It's a celebration of God's faithfulness and mercy. It's a useful reminder that this is how God's heart is predisposed toward us. However, that loving response may happen according to our timing or take the form that we expect.

The directions that Jesus gave His disciples for following Him sound counterintuitive.  Losing yourself, or more specifically, losing your life, sounds like the exact opposite of the path to take.  In this section of the Gospel, Jesus was preparing to send out the disciples to the lost sheep of Israel.  What He shared with them, and the warning He passes along to us, sounds shocking but it's important. And it comes with a remarkable promise.

When someone tries to deceive us and blind us from seeing the truth of the situation, they're described as “pulling the wool over our eyes.”  Here in Romans, Paul pulls back the wool back from our eyes, “in order that” as he puts it “sin might be recognized as sin.”  Instead of trying to convince ourselves sin isn't that big a deal, we flee for refuge to His infinite mercy, seeking and imploring His grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.

When God dispatched Jeremiah to warn that nation against danger, it wasn't because He enjoys delivering bad news.  It's because He wanted them to wake up and take evasive action to avoid the crash to come. Peace doesn't come by barreling through life asleep with our eyes closed to sin.  Peace comes through faith our Savior who has taken our sins away.

“I'm with Stupid."  Who wants to stand beside the guy wearing this on his shirt? In 1 Corinthians, Paul says, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.”  The world wears a shirt which says, “I'm with stupid,” and the arrow points to you and me. That may tempt us to hide who we are and blend in so as not to be noticed. But take a look, instead, at what God has given us to wear and the message He has given us to share!

“God is my refuge and my fortress!”  If you're like me, your imagination soars to images of a medieval castle!  So, why does the Psalmist then describe features here that seem inconsistent with this picture?  He goes on to describe birds, wings and feathers!  At first, it seems like a mistake, a mixed metaphor, a holy hodgepodge of images.  But take a closer look.  There's more here than meets the eye.

Living as a Christian is this fallen world may feel like you're caught between a rock and hard place.  Some may snicker and suggest you're dim for believing in Jesus and going to church.  And, as a result, you may have told yourself that it's easier to simply not make any reference to God in conversation or explain why you're busy on Sunday mornings.  Who needs the grief? But consider that for a moment.  It may not be God that we're having the struggle with.  It may be our understanding of what He's given us to share.

Studies have revealed that the idealized selfies we take, through the filters on our phones, can have a negative impact upon how we see ourselves.  And having an unrealistic image of the disciples can do the same.  But take an unfiltered look at the twelve.  It reveals a clearer picture of our Savior's amazing grace and what it means to follow Him.

What God has done, in sending His Son to be our Savior, is such great news that Paul wants you to know it. There's no hidden catch in the fine print.  Here's why he takes such care in this section of Romans to proclaim it boldly so that there's no mistake about it.

With arms stretched out on the cross, and with His dying breath Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them.”  But those are not famous last words.  That's good news. Have a listen to today's devotion and find out why.

When an ambulance pulls up, crowds gather, with folks watching and praying that the paramedics will bring aid to someone in distress. They don't usually ask them why they came? Which begs the question:  “Why did the Pharisees question what Jesus was doing as they found Him in the midst of tax collectors and 'sinners'”?

In Romans, Paul describes Abraham as "the father of us all." However, his purpose in telling this isn't to say, “Take a look at Abraham's amazing faith.”  He's telling us, “Take a look at God's amazing promise.”  He wants us to realize that you and I have a God who keeps every remarkable promise He has made – including our redemption from sin and eternal salvation in Christ. Episode Art courtesy of State Farm, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

There was nothing pretty about Judah and their practices and plight. As you hear Hosea describe God's love for His wayward and unfaithful, the only thing that made it possible was pure grace.  Remarkably, it's the same grace that God has brought to our relationship with Him.

In English, we hear that Jesus has promised to be with us – always.  It's hard to imagine how it could get more comforting than that.  And Greek has a great word for always.  However, Jesus didn't use that word here.  Instead of one word, Jesus actually used three.  Literally, what He said was, “I am with you all the days.”  It means the same thing but take a look at how it sharpens the focus of what Jesus said and makes this promise even more wonderful!

Here in Matthew, Jesus assembled the disciples shortly before His ascension and gave them a now familiar call to action.  It sounds like four commands but it's actually just one – to “make disciples.”  In Greek, it's the only imperative in these two verses.  But our Savior used three participles to explain how it's done. Here's how God grows His Church.  Here's how the Holy Spirit makes Christians.

What's the difference between doubt and disbelief?  Matthew tells us that Jesus assembled the disciples together before blessing them and then ascending before their eyes into heaven, “When they saw Him they worshipped Him, but some doubted.” You and I live in a time in which doubt and disbelief are thought to be the same, but they're actually quite different. As the disciples discovered, while the Good News of salvation in our risen Savior seems too good to be true, they were astonished to discover that it's true nonetheless!

John tells us that “on the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said something which would certainly have drawn a lot of attention.  He described a source of water that was, and is, limitless!  He announced, “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” On this day our Savior announced rivers of water – not the kind that bring destruction and flooding, but the beneficial rain of His mercy that brings life.

It's remarkable to hear how Artificial Intelligence is helping with the task of translating God's Word into different languages. It makes you wonder what the folks in Jerusalem, who were present on the day of Pentecost, would think about the advances of AI. God poured out His Holy Spirit on the disciples and, as they proclaimed what God had done, we hear that "each one heard them speaking in His own language.” However, what took place at Pentecost was more a miracle of translation.  What followed is a miracle that continues to take place even today.

This Sunday, the Church celebrated the Festival of Pentecost.  It's the day that God poured out His Holy Spirit just as Jesus had promised.  It's hard to overestimate the blessings that we've received in this wonderful event. When the apostle says, the “fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all,” he's not talking about some impersonal cosmic force or some kind of galactic energy. He's talking about a real person – the third person of the Trinity, who with the Father and the Son is one God – our God whose love and mercy is real and personal.

With Jesus' ascension, it's tempting to imagine that He's far away in heaven.  We may dream wistfully of what it would be like to see Him in a video call.  Like online chat, we may yearn for that day when our Savior is right here with us, in person.  But listen again to the remarkable reminder that Jesus Himself has given to us.  And take a closer look at what took place at His ascension.

Since Mark tells us that “He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God,” it would seem easy to assume that any contact we have with Him now would have to be considered “long distance.”  But if that were true you could be sure the disciples would have been muttering among themselves, crying their eyes out, and looking to restore a lost signal with their Savior.  Instead, Luke tells us, “They worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”  And here's why.

Did you know that this Thursday marks a number of significant historical events?   They're not marked on your calendar and it's doubtful anyone will notice. However, the changes they have brought about in your life cannot be underestimated. And there's one event, in particular, that tops them all. On Thursday, it will have been forty days since we gathered in worship on Easter morning and celebrated the resurrection of our Savior. On that day Jesus took the disciples with Him up onto a mountain.  And after He had blessed them they watched as He ascended bodily into heaven.  All this week we're going to take a closer look at what this means for us and for our salvation.  We're going to see the concrete ways it impacts our life each and every day right now.

When it comes to our sins there are those transgressions where the guilt just seem to linger. They remain deeply embedded in our memories and leave our consciences soiled in guilt and shame.  Even after having confessed them to God, and heard His absolution, we still may struggle to feel completely clean.  Here's why Peter wants you to hear why the washing you've received in your Baptism isn't like the kind that comes with soap.

Where do you begin when it comes to sharing your faith?  And what does Peter means when he tells us, “Always be prepared?”  On the surface it sounds as if he's warning us that a pop quiz is coming and we'd better be ready.  But have a listen again to what he says and the context in which he says it.  It's not as frightening as it sounds.  In fact, it's pretty exciting.