Life This Side of Heaven

I wasn't even there!  Why should I get blamed for somebody else's sin?  It's tempting to stamp our feet and get angry at Adam for getting us into this mess.  After all, as Paul points out, “as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men.” If you have ever felt this way, or even wondered about it, then you won't want to miss what the apostle has to say next. Episode art Creative Commons via Wikimedia

Have you noticed that in our culture, rich deserts are sometimes labeled as “tempting” or “sinfully delicious”?  It's easy to blur the definition of sin and decide for ourselves what is right or wrong based on how it makes us feel. The adversary is very good at tempting us to believe that sin isn't really that bad, it's just a guilty pleasure.  And here's why he's often successful in tempting you and me into sin. But listen to what God says in His Word and the Good News of what Jesus, in love for you, has done about it.

As you and I consider the guilt and shame of our sins it's hard not to want to run and hide. So, listen to the wonderful words which came next after Adam tried to conceal himself from God's sight.  They tell us a lot about the incredible love God also has for you and me.

With the cloud of God's glory enveloping them, as Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, the disciples heard the voice of the Father declare “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”  And, although it doesn't always show up in English translations, this part of the event is also prefaced with the word, “Behold.” But, as you hear that word, have a listen to what it includes and what took place next. When it was all done there was still something else that God wants us to behold. The disciples looked up and "saw no one except Jesus."

In our last devotion, we heard why Jesus took Peter, James and John to witness as He was transfigured before them.  If it was simply to see Jesus revealed to them in glory, the glory that was His from all eternity, the could have waited.  After all, the day would come when the rest of the disciples would also Jesus in glory.  And so will you and I. But on this occasion, as the time would soon come for Jesus to suffer and die on the cross, it was important for them to realize that this would not be the result of unforeseen events.  This would help them look back, and witness the unfolding of God's eternal plan.  And now, they would behold, God's Promise.

Behold!  In the short space of nine verses this word is heard, not once but, three times.  It's like a trumpet blast heralding what comes next to catch your full attention.  What comes next will not simply leave your jaw open and fill you with awe.  It signals that something so spiritually significant is about to take place that it's crucial to understanding everything which follows.  Over the course of this week, we're going to take a closer look at our Savior's transfiguration, as Matthew has described it for us, and why it's introduced with this word.

You may not have heard of it.  It's based on artificial intelligence.  And although it sounds new, the desire behind it can be seen going back as far as the Old Testament.  It's the attempt to talk with those who have died.  In this case, it uses sophisticated computer algorithms and it's called “Digital Immortality.” As Christians, we can rejoice that instead of settling for this, God Himself has given us something so much better. In Christ, He has given us the real thing!

As remarkable as it sounds, there were many in Isaiah's day who looked to God the way we might look at a vending machine.  Isaiah records their muttering for us.  “‘Why have we fasted,' they say, ‘and you have not seen it?  Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?'”  Instead of kicking a vending machine they were shaking their fist at God.  They felt cheated. Now think of how easy it is for us, in our worship, to do the same. But take a look at the remarkable reminder that God shared with them next. Jesus, who is "very God of very God" is so much more than a vending machine.

Mankind has been chipping away at the commandments from the very day God Himself carved them onto stone tablets and presented them to Moses.  And the results are obvious.  Among a growing number of professed-Christians they're often regarded as antiquated relics of the past. It's tempting to look at them as no big deal. But Jesus reminds us that they are a big deal. And that's what makes what our Savior has done for us in love such a very big deal, indeed!

You could almost imagine the disciples shaking their heads when Jesus looked over the crowd, saw the same faces they saw, and described them as “Blessed.”  In fact, it's the very first word that came from our Savior's lips.  And He would repeat it again an again.  Blessed!  They must have been wondering, “What does Jesus see that I'm missing?”

“You have been served.”  You may be thinking to yourself, “Oh, oh.  This doesn't sound good.”  To be served means that you've just received formal notification of legal action. Here in Micah, the prophet presented formal notification to Israel. God has brought a charge against the nation. But, instead of repenting for their sins, and looking to Him for mercy, they were interested only in a quick settlement.  As if whipping out their checkbook they asked Him to name a price. When you and I consider our sins, we may be tempted in vain to do the same. But God, who calls us to repentance and faith, announces Good News: You have been served!

It's popular today to hear people describe being a Christian as a matter of choosing Jesus. Sometimes the matter of that decision is held up as the assurance of their salvation.  But if that was the case then the matter of our eternal salvation would be little different than choosing up sides for basketball.  But here's some good news – really Good News!  You and I didn't choose God. He has chosen us.

As astonishing as it sounds today, this message was once considered to be foolishness. In dismissing it, many perished as a result. Now this message is credited with saving lives. You and I have a similar message and it saves lives for eternity. We have good reason to be bold in sharing it. (This is presentation aired originally on January 25, 2023. Presenter is on medical leave at this time. Fresh episodes will resume on Monday.)

Christianity without Christ? Many today make the mistake of assuming that the purpose of religion is simply to help people become moral and feel good. And if that's the case then Jesus isn't necessary. It reduces Christianity to a pamphlet instead of a person. However, if you notice, when Jesus called the disciples, He didn't say, “Follow this lifestyle.” He said, “Follow Me.” (This is an encore presentation which was aired originally on January 27, 2023)

Nothing that travels faster than the Holy Spirit's Good News of our salvation on the lips of those whom God has rescued.  Here in Isaiah, the prophet recorded words that have become famous. And they're a great reminder of how nothing could stay Jesus from completing the work of your salvation and mine. Episode Art:  Jim.Henderson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

An article published not too long ago explained what you should do if you won a lottery jackpot. As the odds of you winning the grand prize for either is 1 in 290 million, I'm guessing that this isn't a question that keeps you up at night.  However, it may stir your imagination. Announcing our Savior, John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”  This includes your sins and mine.  All of them!  Talk about receiving a life-changing prize!  So, now what?

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to base your eternal hope on you –your strength, your resolve – instead of on your Savior?  Just like failed New Year's resolutions it can lead to real frustration and discouragement. What a great time of the year it is to hear God's wonderful Good News that Paul announces here in 1 Corinthians!

Here in Isaiah, God reveals something that can only be described as breathtaking.  And He does it by using this brilliant phrase, “The Servant of the Lord.”  And like a science teacher, he holds it up –like a prism– to reveal that it refers not just to one servant, but to three of them! And wait until you hear how He shines the bright beam of His mercy to you and through you.

Why did Jesus step into the Jordan River?  Why did the sinless Son of God come to be baptized?  John asked that question.  And, like John, it may have left you wondering why as well.

You and I have been united with our Savior.  When did this take place?  It took place in our Baptism.  And now, through faith, where He goes, you and I go also.  And just look at where He takes us!

Being a child of God through faith isn't simply a lifestyle or a concept – it's a relationship.  The One who gave you life looks down to you, as a father looks at the child He loves, and says, “I have called you in righteousness.”  In other words, “I've got you.”

Have you ever taken a long trip, listened to the GPS on your car, and then asked, “Where am I?”  Modern global positioning systems are pretty good.  But have you ever wondered why you're told to turn off the highway and take what seems like some goat path along the way?  Your life may feel this way sometimes.  But what took place in Joseph's life reminds us it's God who leads and, in faith, we are blessed to follow.

“Do what you love.  Love what you do.” Have you ever head that phrase?  It's a great piece of motivational advice but it may seem more aspirational than practical. However, as Paul explains, taking another look at what you do begins with re-examining who you are – the person that God has now made us through faith in what Jesus has done for us!

“Have Astronomers Found the True ‘Star of Bethlehem'?”  That provocative question was the title of an article that came out last month in Scientific American. It's an interesting inquiry – and one that receives a lot of attention at this time of year.  Tomorrow is the Festival of the Epiphany.  It's that day in the Church Year when we hear about the arrival of the Wisemen, the Magi from the East. Matthew has the answer to this question! And you'll be delighted as the Magi to hear it.

As the New Year stretches out before us just take a look at what's to come.  This year will mark the launch of the Artemis space flight, the first crewed mission taking us to the moon since Apollo 17 back in 1972. I'm looking forward to watching it. Talk about a big deal! And like you, I'm looking forward to being in worship and hearing God's Word. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, well, that's no big deal.  But actually, it is.  And here's why. Episode art:  Kevin Gill from Nashua, NH, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Inclement weather. Traffic snarls. Detours. Flights canceled. Roads closed. As the song goes, "Gee, the traffic is terrific".  But it's always been that way.  Just ask Joseph.  And check with the Wise Men. There will be changes to our plans and detours in the year ahead.  However, one thing is certain through it all.  With the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, we can take heart and look ahead with confidence – God is with us.

You're going to laugh but in our house, opening gifts on Christmas Day can go on for hours.  It's not that there are that many packages under the tree – our gift exchange is actually quite modest compared to most families today.  But there are at least three reasons for it.  And if you look carefully, you'll notice that this true with God's gift to us of a Savior, and why the celebration of Christmas endures.

Some gifts that get unwrapped on Christmas Day can't be used right away. You'll have to wait until the appropriate time and season arrives. But, here's the great thing about God's gift to us of a Savior.  There's no waiting.  It's a gift for every season of your life – in fact, every day!

You may well find yourself singing these words in worship today day and asking this same question asked in the hymn, "What Child is This?"  It's based on a poem that written back in 1871. And in it we are confronted the astonishing good news that the Savior has come for us and has brought us His gift of salvation.

Good News is something we always want to shout from the rooftop. But, when it comes to the Good News of our salvation, we're talking mountaintops! We invite you to check out the selection of free Christmas eCards on our website. There, you will also find invitations to Christmas worship this week which you can share with friends and family members. You can place them on social media for everyone to see or you can send it to that specific person you have in mind by text or email. You can find them here: https://www.lifethissideofheaven.org/christmas-cards

One of the best things about this season is the surprises. There are all sorts of situations that may leave you thinking, “Well, I didn't expect that!”  For many, the arrival of John the Baptizer, and the message he proclaimed, is another one of those surprises.

Imagine being hired to photograph a wedding and then finding out that you were waiting for the wrong groom. When John languished in Herod's prison, he sent his disciples to ask Him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” And as we draw nearer to the celebration of Christmas again this year, we may want to ask ourselves if the picture we have of Jesus the right one?

An article came out about this time last year which asked, “Is Christmas No Longer the Same, or Have We Just Grown Older?” It's author lamented that happiness fades as life become more complicated and we're faced with loses, struggles and challenges. So, why does Paul invite us to "Rejoice?" The truth is that with God's gift to us of a Savior, Christmas really isn't the same as we get older. It gets better! And here's why.

Joy, peace, hope!  Like all those treats that tantalize our taste buds at this time of year these words ring in our ears during the season of Advent. So, it shouldn't surprise us that the holiday culture also makes good use of them as well.  They show up everywhere from seasonal movies to cards and decorations.  But if you listen carefully, as these words are become detached from their source, their meaning becomes lost and fuzzy. Thankfully, Paul points us back to what peace and joy are all about and where they're found.

"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat ..." What is Isaiah talking about? The world you and I live in doesn't look anything like that. It may surprise you to know that this, too, is a part of God's Christmas gift to us of a Savior!

Have you ever wondered what Christmas tree farmers do with all of the stumps that are left over after the trees are cut, bundled and sent out for sale? It's impressive. Using the imagery of a stump and a shoot, Isaiah describes how God's love, and His gift to us of a Savior, is more than remarkable. It's a miracle!

It's hard to imagine, as Micah tells us, that the time will come when nations will no longer to war, and nor will they train for battle.  But what God has described is certain. The peace Micah describes moves beyond a mere possibility. It's found in a Person.

Even though it's only the beginning of December you may have found yourself already singing the familiar words, “We wish you a Merry Christmas." But there's actually a bit of Advent in the verse that follows. In fact, there's a unique tie between Christmas pudding and the words of a prayer you may have heard spoken in church this past Sunday.

The season of Advent is now underway.  And what a precious time it is!  Advent is that season leading up the celebration of Christmas. Listen to the advice that Paul gives to anxious children of God, like you and me, as we await His coming.  He shouts, “Wake up!” But, why does Paul want us awaken?  And what should we do with this time available to us?

In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus shared a parable of what it will be like when He returns in glory on the Last Day.  He likens that day to the arrival of a bridegroom and the joy of a wedding feast. And by His grace, here's how He keeps our faith burning brightly as we await His coming. The Season of Advent begins next Sunday. Stay tuned to the end of the devotion and discover two free resources for you and your family as you count down the days to the celebration of our Savior's birth. Episode artwork courtesy of Gospleimages.com

Remember the Alamo!  Have you heard that famous phrase but wondered what it is about the Alamo that we're supposed to remember?  Here in 2 Timothy, Paul gives a similar encouragement.  However, he's very clear why.  And it's a great passage to hear as you and I get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving!

What's the difference between a complaint and a question?  On the surface, they may sound the same.  However, unlike a complaint which arises from contempt and dissatisfaction, a question seeks an answer.  It's a sincere and honest inquiry that seeks to better understand the situation. In worship, we're blessed to hear God's answer to those questions and to receive the assurance He provides.

Why bother?  Nobody seems to notice or care.  What's the point? Have you reached that point where you've folded your arms and said to yourself, “Fine!  Let somebody else do the work.”  Trust me, you're not alone. You can be sure the others feel the same way.  And they may invite you to join in talking about the rest. But there's someone else who has joined the conversation that you may not realize. Today's a great day to hear what our loving God has to say instead in His Word.

In Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, the prophet talks about the day when the Lord will return in judgment.  On that day He will restore this fallen world broken by sin.  But until then, you can be sure that it's going to get pretty chilly out there. But listen to the incredible news he announces in this passage.

When it comes to end of the world, and the day of our Lord's return, the signs of His coming are unmistakable.  And they sound terrifying.  Nevertheless, as you listen to our Savior, you'll notice that instead of panic He encouraged the disciples to take note – and prepare. They're actually quite useful.

What is pure?  It won't be long before snow begins to fall.  One of the great activities among children, and even adults, is to try and catch a snowflake on your tongue.  After all, what could be purer than fresh, falling snow?  You might be surprised by the answer. In Christ ... it's you!

Have you ever marveled over that faithful person who sits next to you at church? That's something for which you and I can really kick up our heels.  In fact, as Paul goes on to say, “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord.”  And here's why.

God announces that because of His Son's life and death for us on the cross, we now stand before Him holy and forgiven through faith.  And now He even sends us out to share this very same Good News with others –  with our family and loved ones, friends and everyone.  You may be thinking, this can't be right.  God must have someone else in mind.  But remarkably, God invites you, and me, to be the ones to share this Good News. 

That rumbling in your stomach?  That's actually pretty handy.  So is that parched tongue.  Hunger and thirst are actually useful.  And so is our hunger and thirst for God's righteousness. They're the rumbling and groaning acknowledgement that apart from God's righteousness you and I would perish.  They lead us to look to God for rescue.  And God doesn't disappoint.

Imitators and imposters. An impersonator is usually someone who pretends to be some one to bring joy to others An imposter, on the other hand, is someone who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others. And there are plenty of both. When John says that we're children of God it's not a role we play. It's who we are!

Have you ever tried to take a portrait of a sunset, or the Northern lights, and then felt disappointed that it doesn't seem to display the full beauty you witnessed?  Yesterday, the Church celebrated the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.  It falls this time every year on November 2.  It reminds us that the day is coming when we, and all who have trusted in the salvation given to us in Jesus, shall see the smiling face of our Savior. But how do you describe such an amazing sight?