Life This Side of Heaven

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 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.”