Life This Side of Heaven

When it comes to our hope as Christians, it's based on the solid promises given to us in God's Word –or as Paul puts it, “that you have already heard about in the word of truth.”  It's not simply the vague wish for better days ahead.  It's the unshakeable assurance that you and I have a God who loves us, who has redeemed us from our sins, who is with us right now, and who has prepared a place for us with Him in heaven. 

Who was the one who first shared the Gospel with you?  Who was it who told you about God's love for you in sending you a Savior?  Who's that person in your life who told you about Jesus?

It must have been exciting as the disciples Jesus sent out, to go into the villages ahead of Him and proclaim the Gospel, returned from their travel.  They were more than excited, they were exuberant!  Luke tells us, “The seventy-two returned with joy.”  And they marveled to tell Jesus, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”  It was certainly was a great day to celebrate – but not for the reason that the disciples had given. You and I have many reasons to rejoice during life, or we may be struggling to find even one at this time, but God has given us a comforting one that tops the list.

As Jesus proclaimed the Gospel, Luke tells us that He “appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” And He coupled it with an insightful observation and useful instruction. In light of the declining number of pastors, in congregations across the denominational spectrum, it's helpful and uplifting to hear what our Savior has to say about it.

Christians may not want to admit it, but it's not always living Christ-centered life in a world that persecutes it for us.  Or, to put it another way, it's hard to smile and show the fruits of the Spirit when you're getting kicked in the teeth. But take a listen to the encouraging words of God that Paul shares with us when we're weary.

Luke tells us that as Jesus was passing through villages, on His way from Galilee down to Jerusalem, a young man came up to Him and said, “I will follow you wherever you go.”  Like many today, the man here in Luke may have had his own dreams for Jesus, what it would mean for him, and where it might take him. As a result, he may have been surprised, even shocked, by Jesus' response.

Have you ever noticed how folks step when they cross a footbridge? Have you ever watched how people walk on a busy street when they come to a crosswalk? Probably not. You may be thinking, “Who cares how people walk?” But when it comes to our walk together in Christ, it's worth hearing what the apostle has to say.

It's easy to empathize with Elijah's frustration.  Living in this fallen world of sin there are times when you and I are left feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.  It's difficult being ridiculed for your faith.  You may not feel like you've much of an impact in sharing Christ with your family and friends.  No, it's not hard to feel like Elijah.  There are days when you may feel like throwing up your hands and crying, “I've had it.”       It's then that it's worth taking a closer look at God's response to His prophet.

It was a pivotal moment in a young man's life that would be celebrated by family and friends. It was the recognition that things had changed and he had a been given a whole new standing in the community. For a young boy, growing up in Rome, it was a big event when he was given a very special robe. Well, now you get an idea of picture Paul is painting for us here in Galatians. Paul wants you to realize what God has done for you and the special robe you know wear through faith. It's nothing short of amazing. It brings remarkable assurance and joy.

Here in Galatians, Paul tells us that “the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ.”  The interesting Greek word he uses to describe the role of the law is _paidagogos. _ And while it's often translated as “schoolmaster,” “tutor” or “guardian,” another good word to describe it is “nanny.”  That's because the role of the law is temporary.  Just like a child's nanny, it serves an important role until that role is no longer needed. Wait until you hear the wonderful reason why!

As a child, did you ever try to play a of hide-and-seek with your older siblings but found your invitation rebuffed?  They may not have wanted anything to do you.  As strange as that sounds, it's almost the way that we hear God described here in Isaiah.  No, I don't mean the embarrassed older brother or sister.  I'm talking about the shameless little sibling who loves them.

Today, it's sometimes referred to as "canceling." However, the practice of attempting to silence someone for saying something with which another disagrees goes back a long way. Jesus faced this as they attempted to cancel Him and silence the proclamation of the Gospel. So did the disciples. However, the Good News is that we have a Savior who has come and brought forgiveness of sins by canceling the record of debt that stood against us. Here's a message that's too good to be silenced. (Dear friends, this devotion aired originally on June 17, 2022. It has been replayed today so that your presenter may recover from a cold. I look forward to joining you again, fit and well, next Monday.)

On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood to proclaim that Jesus, who was crucified, had risen and is alive.  And he told this to a crowd who didn't realize the great hope this gives.  Having heard God's Word often, it still hadn't sunk in what it was telling them. Sadly, that may also be true for many today. God Himself assures you of something that's an absolute certainty.  In fact, you can live each day right now confidently –knowing and rejoicing that it's true.

How would people describe you?  Let's make this interesting.  If they were to select two adjectives to describe you, which words do you think them might choose? On the surface, hearing Jesus described as "the power of God and the wisdom of God" may not seem very personal.  You may be thinking, “How about words like compassionate or loving?  What about adjectives like patient or kind?” However, when it comes to our Savior, take a look at how He has revealed His power and wisdom.  It tells you a lot about his love and compassion for you, His patience and kindness.

It's been said, God reversed the action He took at Babel, back in Genesis, when He confused the languages of the people.  But He did a lot more than that.  And here's what makes what God did so remarkable! In fact, it continues to be a miracle this day.

“Let's agree to disagree.”  Have you ever heard or shared that phrase?  On the surface, it sounds useful.  When two people have differing opinions on a topic, it's a way of ending an argument while recognizing that nothing is going to change the other person's mind.  And in many cases, in our increasingly polarizing culture, it seems best.  However, when it comes to our unity in Christ, it's neither helpful nor true. But wait until you hear of God's way. It's amazing!

You may find yourself shaking your head as you hear this account recorded in Genesis.  The Tower of Babel is one of those episodes in the history of God's people that can't help make you stop and shake your head.  However, in this case, it's not a matter of shoddy workmanship.  It's was the plan behind the project that presented the dilemma.

Jesus prays for you. Does that surprise you?  After all, we usually think of prayer as something we do.  Prayer is that marvelous gift that God has given to us by which we can talk to Him.  We speak these prayers out loud together at church but more often at home, when we're by ourselves, and throughout the day.  But it's worth knowing that you're not the only one praying.

When it came time to fill the position of apostle, which was vacated with the death of Judas, it wasn't the kind of job Peter and the others could post online and then interview suitable candidates. When it came to identifying the one who would be eligible to fill this spot there was a specific set of qualifications. However, there was one criteria that topped the list. You'll want to hear which one it was and why.

Have you ever wondered, “How soon is soon?”  Sometimes it feels as if soon is not soon enough. However, when Jesus says, “I am coming soon,” here's a promise that is filled with hope.

It sounds ominous to hear our Savior telling the disciples to make no mistake about it, “In this world you will have trouble.” There are going to be times in our lives when it's going to feel like the wheels fell off. However, Jesus does't leave us to rely on ourselves or say, “Good luck.”  Instead, He assures us, “But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

What will I see in heaven? If you notice, much of what God shares with us in His Word about this topic, is actually list of things that you won't see in heaven.  And there's a good reason for this.  There are some things that won't be needed.  And there are other things that won't be missed.  So take a brief a look at some of those things that you won't see in heaven.

When it comes to sharing the faith, as Paul found himself doing this day in Acts, we may find ourselves underestimating what it takes to open hearts to receive God's message of salvation.  In fact, we may think it's no big deal.  But actually, it is a very big deal.  It's something that should leave us shaking our heads in amazement, and filled with gratitude to God, every time it happens.

“Come again?”  There's a phrase that's usually accompanied by a look of bewilderment.  It's slang.  It's a way of saying “I'm sorry, but could you repeat what you just said.”  Either they didn't hear correctly or what they heard doesn't seem to make any sense.” It's a phrase the disciples could have used on one occasion ... but for two very distinct reasons. And when you and I are baffled about things going on our lives, it's one we can say with hope and confidence.

Today, it's hard to imagine passing through a grocery store without seeing a whole aisle set aside for the endless varieties of “fresh spring water.” So, the image that Jesus uses here in Revelation is not that difficult to imagine. The fact that Jesus invites us to drink "without cost" from the spring of the water of life should raise a few eyebrows. However, it's the nature of this gift that should have us licking our lips.

Take a moment, and make a list, of all those things that, at one time were such a common part of lives that it seemed hard to even imagine a world without them.  Now listen to the list of things in Revelation that John tells us will one day no longer exist. The day is coming soon when all of these, which we mistakenly assume to simply be a part of life, will no longer exist.

Our Savior's description of the the Good Shepherd is more than a sentimental image. Our Savior's rescue, and His strong grip, with which He holds you, is real. There's tremendous comfort in hearing that nothing can snatch us from it.

When you hear how the leaders in Jerusalem grilled Jesus you would think that our Savior was trying to be hide who is was.  But that wasn't the case at all. However, as a result of the salvation that you and I now have in Him, there is a day approaching in which there will be a wonderful "big reveal."

What is the most important and influential photograph of all time? Over the years a number of lists have been made of photos that fit this description.  And chances are got that you've seem most or all of them. However, as amazing as these images are, they find themselves eclipsed by the panorama that John presents to us here in Revelation.

While they were fishing and waiting to see Jesus, the disciples weren't expecting that He was there – and with them.  John simply tells us that “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” And while you and I go about our busy days, our risen Savior wants you to know He is here – and with you.

It's tempting to feel insignificant and overlooked in a world which takes little notice of Christians.  So, living in a culture that grows ever more hostile to Christ, it's shocking to hear the announcement was made to John in this passage.  And it's one that applies to you as well. Jesus Himself tells us that we're a kingdom!  And you and I have been made priests to serve our loving God!

Today's Christians are often short-changed.  They're being robbed as they miss out a remarkable blessing. Think of how often you hear how this new life is described as "the easy life" and collecting riches. It's a far cry from the suffering and sacrifice that God described for Paul.  But you can be sure that the apostle wouldn't have it any other way. Wait until you hear why.

Shortly before the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, our Savior prayed for the disciples saying: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message.” In Acts, we hear how the apostles continued to proclaim this message. And what they shared was far from piffle.

Are you afraid?  If you are, you're not alone.  In recent weeks a number of polls have indicated a growing sense of fear across the country. Now, consider the fears that John faced. It's into the midst of all of this that John was given a vision of our risen Savior in heaven. Instead of the familiar face of Jesus, who appeared before the disciples on Easter, now He is revealed in all of His glory. But the Good News is that Jesus wasn't there to condemn him, but to console him. And what amazing consolation this is for you and me as well! 

On Easter morning, the disciples missed out on hours of joy that could have been their's when they failed to believe what the women had told them. And Thomas missed out on a full week of joy when He didn't believe what the disciples had told him – that Jesus had risen! Thankfully, you and I don't have to wait. The Good News of our Savior's resurrection, and our forgiveness and everlasting life in Him, is ours right now – this very day!

It must have been a little frustrating for the women to be treated this condescendingly when they shared the good news of our Savior's resurrection.  And that's probably an accurate description of what you and I may experience when we share it with our family, friends and loved ones. But that doesn't mean that the Good News of Easter isn't true. Take a look at the encouraging facts of what took place next.

You can be sure that the women had a long list of things they needed to accomplish on Easter morning.  Wake up just before the crack of dawn, gather the team, collect up the spices, and make their way to the tomb.  But then it dawned on them.  They had left one thing off the list:  “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But, in their grief, this wasn't the only thing they forgot.

As you hear again the wonderful announcement of Easter morning, be careful not to fill up empty promises. There are a lot of sugar-coated, empty promises that get squeezed into the season. What the women were confronted with on Easter morning was not a basket of empty promises, but an empty tomb – and the fulfillment of God's promise of everlasting life for you.

Amidst the many details, surrounding the events of our Savior's Passion, God made sure to include one that we may easily overlook. And it's particularly useful as we sit down to hear of our Lord's suffering and death, whether at home in our devotions or at worship, on this Good Friday.

Does it seem hard to have thoughts of “joy” during Holy Week? Does it feel “out of place”? Holy Week is certainly a solemn time as you and I reflect on the pain, suffering and death which Jesus faced on our behalf. And there's good reason that a hush descends upon our worship services. But it would be a mistake to conclude that there is no room for joy. And if you have any doubt about this then consider these words from our Savior's prayer in the Garden.

When it comes to the events of Palm Sunday, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, have all recorded, with great detail, Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.  And it's worth knowing that what makes it memorable is the care that went into it, the visual spectacle it created, and the unmistakable statement He was careful to make. However, it's not the entrance of a superhero. It's the entrance of our Savior!

With such astounding results you might imagine that Jonah would be doing cartwheels!  The people of Nineveh, to who he was sent, repented. However, instead seeing him celebrate, the prophet was disappointed and upset. Why would God forgive His enemies? However, taking a closer look at this question will go along way in helping us understand, and celebrate in just a few short weeks, what Easter is all about.

Here in Luke, Jesus quoted Psalm 118, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone." In Jesus' day the chief priests and the teachers of the law rejected Him.  Many of their reasons for rejecting Him are the same reasons people have for rejecting Him today.  However, God Himself has carried off the work of your salvation with perfect planning and precision. And the result is that it still stands to this day.

Reruns.  They're the repeats, or rebroadcasts, of television episodes that have already been aired in the past.  Some reruns are cherished favorites.  Others are almost too painful to watch.  Well, it may surprise you to learn that the apostle Paul knew a thing or two about reruns. And God wants you to know something important about them, too.

It's not surprising that Jonah panicked and fled when God called him to be His prophet to the people of Nineveh However, the prophet was confronted with a number of different fears as he considered this calling. Surprisingly, one of his fears was ... the fear of success.

I'm sure that you've heard the phrase, “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”  You and I are surrounded by so many schemes and scams these days that we cannot help but raise an eyebrow when what we're promised is so much more than we should expect to receive. There must be a catch. There must be hidden drawbacks.  So, put yourself in the sandals of the younger sibling in Jesus' parable, the one that we often refer to as the prodigal son. Actually, you don't have to. God Himself has taken care of that.

Resentment is a powerful emotion.  It's easy to hate those who have harmed you. It's hard not to be bitter when you've been betrayed. So when Paul says, "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view," it may sound difficult, even impossible. You may be thinking, “I don't have that kind of strength.”  And you're right. But the apostle points us to the One who does.

It's Fish Friday here at Life this Side of Heaven. No, we're not enjoying a fish feed today, but we are taking a look at Jonah, the prophet who found himself fed to a fish. And while you might think that this was because God was sizzling with anger toward Jonah, a closer look will reveal that He served up a remarkable rescue. And our Savior pointed to this actual event to describe the sign He has now given assuring us that He is exactly who He has claimed to be – the Son of God and our Savior.

Pointing to two catastrophes that would have made headlines in those days, Jesus gave voice to the question that many ask at times like these. However, as you look closely at this passage in Luke, Jesus doesn't answer that question. Instead, He points us to the important question we should be asking.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul described how the folks in Exodus, who had every spiritual blessing, stumbled into self-security when it came to temptation and fell into sin. The apostle directs our attention to these, not only as examples, but also as a reminder to the sure-footing we have in Christ.

It's Fish Friday here at Life this Side of Heaven.  No, we're not having a run on tasty fried fish, but we are taking a look at Jonah, the prophet who tried to run from God. When God told this prophet to get up and go, he got up and went – in the opposite direction and as fast as his feet could carry him. Sometimes, we may also ourselves running from God out of fear and guilt. And like Jonah, God pursues us ... but not necessarily for the reason we expect.