In Jeremiah, the prophet describes a time in which God did allow all of this come crashing down to make room for something much better. And there are times when God may allow things to come crashing down around us for this reason as well.
When it comes to waiting in this life it often means how long you can tap your feet before you start going crazy. However, the Hebrew word for “wait” means much more. And it's the reason why Jeremiah says that waiting for the Lord is good.
In Lamentations, Jeremiah recorded some of the most uplifting words of encouragement. However, was the prophet wearing "rose-colored glasses” when he penned these words?
How could God let this happen? Doesn’t Jesus know what I’m going through? Doesn’t He care? The disciples may have felt this way in the midst of the storm. Have you ever been faced with the same questions?
“Never bring a knife to a gunfight.” Have you ever heard that phrase? It’s become one of those familiar and stock phrases used in action movies. Since then, the phrase itself has gone on to become a familiar idiom to highlight the importance of being well-equipped. Paul may have something similar to this in mind here in 2 Corinthians.
“Don’t let your circumstances define who you are.” That’s advice that Paul could well have shared here in 2 Corinthians. Paul’s history is like our own – a true rags to riches story.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul notes, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” And there is real urgency in his words. It’s a sober reminder that this time of grace won’t be around forever. At the same time, it's also a reminder that there is a tremendous opportunity before us that won't come around again.
As Paul points out, it wasn’t easy being an apostle. At the same time, it's not easy in our culture to be a Christian. When it comes to sharing your Savior with family, friends and neighbors, and all the difficulties that come with it, have you ever been tempted to ask, "Why do I even bother?"
What can you do when everything in your life feels like it’s out of your control? It’s a terrifying experience. We like it when our days roll along without surprises and just as we had planned. We may even take that to be an indication that God must be really pleased with us. If we take enjoying a good life to mean to that God is please with us, then what else can it mean if all of that suddenly changes?
Have you ever heard a sermon on a Sunday morning that uses a vivid illustration that sticks with you long after you’ve heard it? Now you get an idea of why Jesus used so many parables when He taught and preached. In fact He used _a lo_t of parables for this reason.
Our Savior’s reign and rule isn’t outwardly amazing. In fact, it appears quite small and even insignificant. However, its results are magnificent.
So Jesus told them, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.” That doesn’t sound like much, but listen to what He points out next. Like seeds growing on a farm, in this low-key, unostentatious, un-showy way, God Word's Word is planted – and in this way He grows His kingdom.
Sadly, for many, the Christian life is thought of as little more than matter of rules and regulations. Instead, as Paul points out, it’s the free and joy-filled life that comes in grateful response to the salvation God has given to us in His Son.
In Ezekiel, the prophet tells us of a planting that didn't take. In sinful impatience the people of Judah learned a hard lesson. However, he goes on to tell us of another planting- this one by God Himself. And today, we rest in the shade of His mercy.
When Jesus describes the "abundant life," it's easy to look around and ask, "Where is it?" In 2 Corinthians, Paul describes the specific vision problem that all of us face–young or old. Thankfully, he also points us to faith's "corrective lenses."
Have I committed the unforgivable sin? If there’s ever a question that causes more concern, and raises even more questions, it’s hard to imagine it. For consciences, already tormented with guilt from sin, the thought that there may be one for which no pardon is possible, is terrifying. If you are concerned with this question there is real comfort for you in God's Word that you will want to hear.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul, who was a tent-maker by trade, uses a vivid image to describe these earthly bodies of ours. And, in many ways they’re like an old tent. It’s not always as easy camp. But the apostle points us to the sure and certain hope that is ours, through faith, in Christ and the resurrection.
Sometimes, with all of the struggles and trouble that comes our way in life, if you and I were to focus our eyes on our temporal plight it would be hard not to feel crushed and disappointed. But there’s more to your story, and God's Word directs our focus to it.
Whenever there is a shortage of something the one thing you can count on is a surplus of blame. And when Adam sinned and found himself bereft of holiness and righteousness he quickly began to point fingers. It's a reaction we share when we stumble and fall into sin. It makes God's promise of grace even more remarkable.
When Adam and Eve rebelled against God and disobeyed His command they experienced something they had not known up until this point – guilt and shame. Sometimes the shame you feel may remain long after the guilt of your sin has been absolved. But God wants you to know that in our Savior's death for us on the cross, He has taken away both our guilt and our shame.
The account of our first parents’ fall into sin, in Genesis, is so well-known that it’s easy to overlook some interesting details. And one of them comes here – when they attempt to hide from God. Take a look at how often our loving, and patient, Lord provides them with perfect opportunities to confess their sin. Notice the wonderful opportunities God gives to us to do the same.
On the Day of Pentecost, and in our Baptism, God has given us a very special gift. The Holy Spirit enables us to hear God’s Word and connect the dots. He leads us to see how our lives and all of Scripture connect together in Christ.
Isaiah must have been shocked when asked who would share the Good News of God's salvation? After all, it’s not like there was a shortage of angels for this royal task. Like a pupil raising in his hand in class, and hoping to be called upon, the prophet didn't hesitate with his answer, "Here am I. Send me."
"Say, 'Ah.'” Those two words may fill you with dread if you’re sitting in a dentist’s chair. You’re being asked to open your mouth so that they may see inside. Isaiah’s mouth must have opened wide all by itself when he was given a vision of God seated in glory.
Nicodemus, the Pharisee who came to visit Jesus at night, may have felt at first that what Jesus told him sounded like a riddle. He said something that left him puzzled, and it may still leave some puzzled today. He described something that only God Himself can accomplish.
Confessing our Savior may mean risking everything, our comfort, our popularity, our standing and our place among family, friends and community, but it's worth it. He's worth it.
From humble beginnings it has now spread across the globe. And many years ago it was decided that a useful way to tell people about it, and distinguish it from all others, would be to summarize it in a few, well-chosen words. These words have become so familiar that many people even have them memorized. And that may include you.
When families gather to enjoy supper, the words of Psalm 145:15-16 are often spoken as the table prayer before the meal. They remind us that our food comes as a gift from God’s hand. But they may also raise some questions.
The key moment in any mystery movie comes when the summation takes place. The main character will describe the crime and then point their finger at the one who has been found guilty. Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus noted that when the Holy Spirit came He would convict the entire world. However, unlike the summation in a mystery movie, it doesn't end there. He goes on to point to the innocent ... the innocent suffering and death of our Savior in whom we have salvation through faith.
God knows that we are all unique individuals from different places, different backgrounds and different life experiences. We don’t look the same and we don’t sound the same. Those in Jerusalem who heard Peter on the Day of Pentecost didn’t cease to be individuals. But the events of that day remind us that remarkably, in Christ God has made us one.
