A Danger Unknown

A Danger Unknown

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I had absolutely no idea.

For my entire life I was blissfully ignorant of the truth.  Then one day recently I was reading a devotional written by an outdoor enthusiast who happens to live in Michigan, and he mentioned encountering a rattlesnake in the state.  I immediately began to question his credibility.  But to make sure I was right, and out of an abundance of curiosity, I did some research.

And there ARE rattlesnakes in Michigan! 

The formal name of these venomous reptiles is “eastern massasauga rattlesnake.”  A medium-sized snake, adults can stretch from 18 to 30 inches.  They typically inhabit wetland environments, though they will sometimes move into higher upland areas in the summer.

It’s not surprising perhaps that I was unaware of their presence.  The massasaugas are timid and secretive, and most residents of the state have never seen one.  (Even many of those who spend a great deal of time in nature.)  The snakes prefer to hide by remaining motionless under vegetation or woody debris.  Their coloration serves as highly effective camouflage. 

Furthermore, they aren’t commonly encountered because their numbers have been steadily declining across their range.  (They inhabit parts of all the other Great Lakes states and provinces as well.)  Loss of habitat, fragmentation of the population, persecution, and illegal collection being the primary factors.  Because of their drastically decreasing numbers, massasaugas have some level of official protection in many of the states in its range. Michigan’s Lower Peninsula  seems to hold the greatest number of these rattlers, so the state is integral in its well-being. 

The eastern rattlers feed primarily on small mammals, but they will also eat frogs and other snakes, and occasionally even birds.  In regard to their diet, they are opportunistic.

Though classified as non-aggressive, they will on rare occasions strike humans.  Approximately 16 people are treated per year for massasauga bites.  Even though their venom is highly toxic, human fatalities fortunately are rare due to their shorter fangs.

Their “rattle” is reportedly more of a “buzz.”  It’s been likened to a bumblebee stuck in a spider web.  Sometimes they “buzz” before striking at humans; sometimes they don’t.

Talk about a danger unknown!  I’ve been completely oblivious to the presence of a rattlesnake in my home state!  I wonder how many I’ve walked by in my forays in the woods, or perhaps especially at the marshy wildlife refuge I used to work at while going to college and the seminary.  

I naively believed there were no venomous snakes to threaten my safety.  And while the risk was obviously low, it was still present … and it was definitely unknown.  At least to me!

Turning from the physical to the spiritual, I can’t help but wonder how many people have no idea that there is another “snake” who threatens everyone’s well-being.  Some are completely oblivious to the danger.  But even Christians who are aware tend to downplay the risk.

Consider these fascinating – but also sobering! – words from Revelation regarding the spiritual viper named Satan:

7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.  He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say … 12  “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!  He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”  (Revelation 12)

“That ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray” is similar to the eastern massasauga rattler in that he likes to stay hidden.  He loves to wreak havoc from the shadows.  Sometimes he teases people with some buzzing; but often he strikes suddenly and silently to unleash his toxic venom into their hearts and lives.

Satan is also radically different than the non-aggressive massasauga in that the devil is extremely aggressive.  “He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time [before Jesus returns] is short.”  He will stalk believers’ souls relentlessly; he will never, ever give up the attack until souls are removed from his reach through death.

Most alarming, he knows exactly which methods, temptations, and assaults will be the most alluring and effective … AND he perceives the most advantageous times to “strike.”

Is it surprising therefore that Paul would share this concern with the Corinthian believers?  “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”  (2 Corinthians 11:3).

The apostle recognized the risk!  But he also recognized where safety was found.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13).

If you read the verses that follow, Paul describes the spiritual armor we are to wear quite extensively.  But the voice from heaven in Revelation 12 summarizes it magnificently with these words: “The [believers] triumphed over [the ancient serpent who was hurled to earth] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11).

In other words, Satan may lurk and hide and scheme and strike … but the Lord Jesus shed his holy blood so Satan would be defeated and we would be redeemed and victorious.  And that his what he is … and that is what we are!  Thanks be to Jesus!  Furthermore, God’s Word which tells us God’s truths is far more powerful than Satan’s lies.

Nevertheless, do not let Satan the snake be a danger unknown, unnoticed or ignored.  He is a powerful and treacherous enemy.  Recognize him and his diabolical ways … and his ultimate goal of pulling us away from God.

But even more important, recognize your victorious Savior …  and the safety and salvation he provides us.  As the Lord promised Eve, Jesus did indeed “crush the devil’s head” (Gen. 3:15) at his crucifixion.  His resurrection three days later was the ultimate triumph – a triumph for Jesus, and a triumph for us.

The key to our safety is staying close to our Savior.  The more we are immersed in God’s Word, the more Satan will hate us and attack us … but the more alert and aware we will be, and the more shielded we will be!  As the Lord himself states, “You triumph over [the serpent] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of testimony.” (Revelation 12:11). 

So be watching for the Snake.  But even more importantly, keep your eyes on Jesus, our Victor!

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Wait … and Watch

Wait … and Watch

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They are always waiting and watching.  No, not the boogeymen.  The birds!

Twice a week I refill the birdfeeder in front of our house.  In three days, the feeder is essentially empty.  And when it is, a few finches will still land with high hopes … only to have their hopes crushed.  They’ll peck a few times, but with nothing but seed husks to grab, they fly away disconsolately. 

And then they wait, and they watch.

They’ve learned that the feeder isn’t empty for long.  It’s just a matter of time until they can gorge themselves again.  When I approach their feeding station with my ladder and my container, their little birdy hearts flutter with joy.  I’m convinced that the birds … who have been waiting and watching! … begin chirping happily. 

Seriously!  I can hear them making a racket in the nearby trees every time I refill the feeder.  The singing seems much more pronounced than usual.  Whether their chirps flow from joy, or they are a dinner call to other birds, I couldn’t say.  Maybe it’s a bit of both?

By the time I have made the short stroll back into the garage to store the ladder and meandered into the living room, birds are already settled in for their next meal.  Before long the feeder is being swarmed!

Three days down the road, the birds will be waiting and watching again, and we’ll repeat the entire process.  It’s not surprising; they need to eat and they know I’ll provide the food.

It seems to me that, when it comes to our life needs, we should be more like the birds – waiting and watching.  Specifically, waiting confidently on our God’s timing and watching for his bountiful provision.

Instead, in regard to the challenges and uncertainties in our lives, we tend to approach them in just the opposite manner.  We ignite and we ignore.

Rather than waiting patiently for our loving Lord to do his thing, we anxiously ignite our emotions, minds, and bodies.  We take action.  We rush and run and ram forward … because how else are we going to resolve this situation unless WE resolve it?  We charge and chase the solution, because we think we need to find it immediately.  We ignite all of our personal resources like the Orion spacecraft of the Artemis mission, convinced the only way to new heights depends on our firing up, and firing up NOW.

After igniting (and because we’re ignited!), we tend to ignore the great things GOD can bring about in his own time.  Unfortunately, we also often fail to see what God IS bringing about!  And twice the tragedy, our “igniting” may even interfere with God’s solution or the immediacy of God’s solution.

This approach to difficulties and dreams (igniting and ignoring) is directly contrary to God’s prescription for life.  Over and over in the Scriptures our Heavenly Father urges his children to wait and watch.

The psalmist, inspired by the Holy Spirit, states the concept clearly: “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.  I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6).

In another psalm, David reminds us that waiting and watching finally is a matter of trust – something we sinners struggle with, but we believers want to excel at!  Because the more we trust our Lord (who loves us dearly!), the greater our peace grows, and the less we feel the need to ignite and ignore.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this … Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7).

Now don’t misunderstand.  I’m not suggesting that God wants us to simply relax in our recliners and ignore our responsibilities and refuse to address our challenges.  No, the Lord expects us to be active, and even aggressive, in regard to dealing with difficulties.  But he also expects that as we do, our confidence is completely based on him and his actions, and not ourselves and our own!

In other words, we don’t ignite and ignore; we wait on the Lord and we watch for his resolutions.  Because God’s timing and God’s answers are always best.

This is nothing new.  The Lord had his Old Testament people wait and watch for thousands of years for the promised Savior.  “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4-5). 

And that was certainly worth the wait!

So wait and watch … like the birds in my yard.  In fact, I would point out that Jesus used the illustration of the birds in regard to this concept long before I did!

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:25-27).

So don’t worry.  Trust your loving Lord.  And wait and watch for him to bring about great things in his always-perfect timing!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Lamentations 3:24-26
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Psalm 27:13-14
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

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Output Vs. Input

Output Vs. Input

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The concept we’re exploring today is not original with me.  I actually heard it on a local Christian radio station, and I thought it was a concept worth sharing.  It’s simply stated and explained, yet it is profound in its simplicity and powerful when understood and implemented.

From little on we are trained to find self-value in what we are able to put out.  It’s a lesson readily learned since it comes so naturally to the human psyche and seems so logical.  The greater the quantity and quality of our output, the more inherent value we feel and find.

The realms of our personal output validators are varied and unique to each individual.  Our personal output indicators may be in the physical, mental, emotional, verbal, relational, occupational, educational, societal or familial worlds.  Yet the cause and effect are the same: when we are able to output effectively, we tend to feel good about ourselves.

Unfortunately, the inevitable is that there will come times when our output is substandard.  Even more so as we age and our ability and energy flags and fades.  And then what happens to our self-esteem?  If it is based on our output (as it is for most!), we’re in trouble!

Many is the time I’ve counseled individuals who were struggling mentally and emotionally because they just couldn’t do what they used to be able to do.  Their self-worth was based on their output … and their output was leaving them devastated.  Eventually, one’s output will leave every output-based person devastated.

Which brings us to the importance of input – both recognizing and pursuing positive input.

Kind and encouraging words from loved ones certainly qualifies as positive input; warm support from people is important and is certainly helpful.  But sometimes that is hard to come by or is not enough.

The most crucial input is the input our God gives us in his Word!

Yes, the condemnation of the law which shows us our sinfulness isn’t pleasant.  It’s important we all take this to heart; we are all sinful and the Lord hates sin.  But don’t stop at the law.  Let it drive you desperately and eagerly to God’s gospel, which tells us about God’s love … and mercy … and grace … and atonement … and forgiveness … and salvation. 

Furthermore, embrace those truths God shares with us about who we now are in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ.  This is the input we desperately need!

Words like these:

“… You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Or these:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Or this long, wonderful, self-esteem-boosting list:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

These are just some of the thousands of messages God gives us in his Scriptures.  Search the Scriptures and you’ll find plenty of incredible input.  God tells us he has loved us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3), a love so lavish that he considers us his very children (1 Jn. 3:1) and rejoices over us with singing! (Zeph. 3:17). 

These are truths God wants us to take to heart!  Crucial, positive, self-esteem-lifting input God wants us to embrace. 

The Lord knows this input … given by the One whose output is always perfect and always perfectly blesses … will completely transform our self-perspective. 

As Paul prayed: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

The vast majority of the world looks to one’s output as the basis for value.  But that’s a disappointing path.  Be different.  Be better!  Or rather, learn a better way to evaluate yourself!  “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). 

Far better for us to find our value in the input God gives.  And he values us immensely!  Of all astounding things, he informs us that we are precious in his sight! (Is. 43:4).

When our self-esteem is based on our output, it will eventually and undoubtedly collapse.  When based on God’s input, however, it will soar!  

Which underscores the importance of being in our Bibles and mining these golden truths!  There’s an abundance of wealth just waiting to be uncovered there and make us spiritually rich.  It’s exactly the input we need to prosper in this output-based world.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts … And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you [encourage one another] and [praise] … God with gratitude in your hearts.  (Colossians 3:15-16)

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Don’t Miss the Commas!

Don’t Miss the Commas!

Whether a person happens to be a grammar geek or not, commas are important.  In fact, sometimes they are more than just important; they are crucial!

Consider these examples:

No comma:  I’m sorry I love you.
With comma:  I’m sorry, I love you.

No comma:  He told me I’m a fool.
With comma:  He told me, I’m a fool.

No comma:  Slow children at play.
With comma:  Slow, children at play.

No comma:  We’re going to learn how to cut and paste kids.
With comma:  We’re going to learn how to cut and paste, kids.

No comma:  Let’s eat Grandma.
With comma:  Let’s eat, Grandma.

No commas:  I find inspiration in cooking my family and my dog.
With commas:  I find inspiration in cooking, my family, and my dog.

No comma:  A woman without her man is nothing.
With punctuation and comma:  A woman: without her, man is nothing.

Commas are significant!  Omit one when writing … or miss one when reading … and an entirely different message can emerge.  At best, confusion can be caused; at worst, offense can be caused or wrong information can be passed along. 

Think about the drastically different theology the next sentences convey:

No comma:  Jesus died for you as sinful as you are.
With comma:  Jesus died for you, as sinful as you are.

No comma:  God truly loves you not a bit – endlessly and forever.
With comma:  God truly loves you, not a bit – endlessly and forever.

We need pauses in our words to share the message we want to share – to get it right.  Lack of appropriate pauses causes issues.

The same is true in our lives.  Sometimes pauses are not only desirable; they are necessary.

Obviously, our bodies can’t be taxed indefinitely.  Sooner or later, we need a physical rest.  It’s why we stop, rest, eat and sleep. 

Mental breaks are also crucial, or focus fades and mistakes are made. 

Ditto for our emotions, which can be distracted, disrupted and even devastated by emotional storms.  Perhaps even more important than physical and mental breaks, our emotions need some “sunny days” now and then – times of calm and peace.

The loving Lord who created us knows how important pauses are in our lives.  Therefore, it shouldn’t be shocking that he set aside the Sabbath Day for Old Testament Israel.  As he told the people through Moses:

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.  On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.  For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.  (Exodus 20:9-11)

Saturday, the seventh day, was to be a day of rest – physical, mental, and emotional rest – for God’s people.  But here was the key: the Sabbath Day was, first and foremost, a day of spiritual rest. 

God told his people, “There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a day of sabbath rest, a day of sacred assembly.  You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a sabbath to the Lord” (Leviticus 23:3).

In other words, God told them to take a day to rest their bodies, minds and emotions from the rigors of life … AND to immerse themselves in the ultimate spiritual rest that God brings.  It was a day to worship the Lord and to be in his Scriptures.  God knew that the ultimate pause the people needed in their lives was rest for their souls.

Nothing has changed!  The ultimate pause WE need in OUR lives is rest for OUR souls!  When our souls are at rest in the Lord, then our bodies, minds and emotions also prosper.

The New Testament makes it clear we are no longer obligated to literally observe the Sabbath Day by physically resting on Saturdays.  The Sabbath and the Old Testament ceremonies were “a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ” (Col. 2:16-17).

In other words, in these New Testament times we find rest for our souls in our Savior.  Jesus himself made this clear.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

The writer to the New Testament Jewish believers was inspired by the Holy Spirit to explain it this way:

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.  Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest … (Hebrews 4:9-11).

And then in the very next verse he shares how we enter that rest!

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12).

We are no longer obligated to observe the Sabbath Day literally.  But we are still commanded / urged / begged by the Lord to be in his living and active Word regularly … in worship services, Bible studies, personal devotions, and Christian music.  Because that’s the way the Holy Spirit works in us and brings us spiritual rest.

So definitely pause.  Pause in your days to appreciate your loved ones and your many “little” blessings – to “smell the flowers,” as the expression goes.  Pause from your labors daily and weekly to rest your body, mind and emotions.  Pause in your annual schedules for vacations. 

But the Lord gives us this most crucial advice of all: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). That is, pause often to focus on the Lord through his Word, and let the Lord bring rest to your soul through Jesus, your Savior. 

Commas in sentences are extremely important.  But “commas” (pauses) in our lives, and especially for our souls, are even more important.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Psalm 46 (selected)
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. … 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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A Thoughtful and Thankful Anniversary

A Thoughtful and Thankful Anniversary

It’s been six years now. 

On April 22, 2020, after much prayer and a great deal of work, I hesitantly launched this blog – HeadingToHeaven.com. 

It wasn’t a life-long dream or a long-anticipated venture.  Far from it!  It was actually one of the most unlikeliest of undertakings for me. 

That being said, it was also a somewhat spur-of-the-moment thing.  I leaped into this ocean rather quickly.  However, it was not a rash decision; I felt compelled to do it. 

I recognize that sounds simplistic, super spiritual and/or selfish.  To which I would reply that it was actually complex … but also simply spiritual.  I was convinced the Lord was pushing me.

I was certainly not compelled by ego.  Quite the contrary, beginning a blog was beyond overwhelming to me.  (Technology is definitely not my forte.)  I didn’t know where to start, what to do, or if it would even be beneficial to anyone.  I felt completely inadequate for the task.  As I reflect back on the beginning, it was all rather stressful,

Still, once the concept of beginning a blog arose in my mind, I couldn’t shake the compulsion.  I needed to do this – as strange and unexpected and daunting as it may be.

“Heading to Heaven” was born in the tumultuous times of COVID.  COVID, of course, changed everything.  The world.  Our nation.  Politics.  Society.  Day-to-day life.  Medical approaches.

It certainly altered ministry.  Pastors and congregations were scrambling to serve their people.

I began the blog with the idea that it would be another “no contact” way to share God’s Word with God’s people whom I served who were sheltered and struggling.  I hoped it would provide an avenue for my congregational members to interact with and encourage one another while temporarily separated and isolated.

While that inter-congregational communication never played out quite the way I envisioned, it seemed the Lord had other plans. 

Since then, I have been privileged to share almost 300 devotions on “Heading to Heaven.” Today the posts are read weekly by God’s people across our nation, and even by some on the other side of the oceans.  The blog has been accessed by people literally around the world.  When I timidly began this website, I could never have imagined how God might use it.  (Absolutely all thanks, praise, and glory to Him!!!)

Nor could I have dreamed that the posts would serve as the basis for Bible studies in midweek Lenten services and contemporary services in three different congregations over the years.

But the most humbling and uplifting blessing that has come through the blog are the heartfelt responses that have been shared with me after a particular post touched and encouraged someone.  My singular goal for “Heading to Heaven” has always been that I might somehow encourage someone, somewhere, in some little way. 

To find out that God has done that very thing is beyond incredible.

I want to stress that this anniversary post is NOT about me.  I write this post and share it – very reluctantly.  The last thing I want to do is to draw attention to myself.  However, I definitely DO want to glorify the Lord. 

I am fully aware that any blessings brought through this blog were brought by our good and gracious God … to HIS glory.

It’s not about me at all.  Yet as we reach this milestone, I can’t help but personally reflect on the past six years.  The Lord certainly works in mysterious and wonderful ways.  Always!  He is so faithful.  The older I get, the more I find myself immersed in thankfulness to Him. 

On this sixth anniversary of “Heading to Heaven,” I thank the Lord with all my heart.  He made it happen, he kept it happening, and he continues to keep it happening.  I trust he is indeed using it “in some little way.”

Thanks also to all who subscribe to this blog.  Some of you have been with me on all or nearly all of this entire journey.  If you do formally “follow” (subscribe to) this blog, please know that you are a great encouragement to me.

If you aren’t yet subscribed, I invite you to do so.  I would be honored if you did.  (It’s free!)  Instructions on how to do so are below.

Additional thanks to those who share the posts with their friends.  Doing so definitely extends the blog’s reach.  And when you share, perhaps God is using you to reach someone who needs to read that particular devotion at that particular time, and they are drawn closer to the Lord.

Recognizing that various posts are read by non-subscribers is also uplifting.  I am humbled and grateful that someone would take the time to do so, and I am prayerful that they are “somehow encouraged in some little way.”

Finally, if you have any thoughts you are willing to share in the “comments” section below regarding “Heading to Heaven,” I would be delighted to read them.  Personal responses are always a morale boost.

It’s so hard to believe – it’s been six years now.  My thoughts on this occasion are filled with thankfulness to our God for his blessing on this endeavor, and gratefulness for the opportunity to serve him … and hopefully encourage some of his people somehow, somewhere, in some little way.

Because finally, there is no greater message than that there is a God who loves us and who saved us.

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Disconnected ?!?!

Disconnected ?!?!

After the privilege (and pressure) of leading Holy Week and Easter Sunday services for two congregations, I was looking forward to a relatively quiet Monday following Easter.  But then I looked out one of our back windows and noticed the floating portion of our dock was twisted sideways and barely hanging on!  (See the picture above.)

Which precipitated an immediate change of plans.  Especially since the forecast called for high winds later that day.  Either I reconnected the end of our dock or I would undoubtedly be retrieving it from the far end of the lake! 

The dock is rather old, and I had been monitoring the attachments for a while now.  I knew I would need to add a new 2 X 8 board for extra support, as well as new eye bolts.  It was a project for the near future.  But on Easter Monday, the “near future” suddenly became “immediately.”

As the snow fell and the wind began to pick up, I tied the floating portion of the dock to the anchored walkway.  The old and bent eye bolts were removed, a new front panel was installed, and new bolts were screwed into place.  (Amazingly, I only dropped one of my tools into the lake.  Fortunately, the water was shallow enough for it to be retrieved with a garden rake.)  Finally, I reattached the quick links to the eye bolts, and the end of our dock was safely reconnected.

Paddling our kayak to rescue our beached dock somewhere on the lake shore would have certainly been … interesting.  But that wasn’t even the worst outcome that could have occurred.  If the wind was fierce enough and blowing to the east, it could have potentially blown our dock over the spillway of the dam at the end of the lake, and then down the river below.  If that had happened, I may not have been able to retrieve it all!  Even if the dock managed to survive the fall.

Becoming disconnected would have led to drastic and perhaps dire ramifications for our little but dearly loved dock.

Connections are important.  And especially our connection to our Savior!  Becoming disconnected from Him leads to drastic and perhaps dire ramifications to our well-being – both now and forever.

Jesus himself makes this clear. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:5-6).

We wither when we lose connection to the living Lord – when we become distracted and distant from the source of spiritual life.  Without Jesus, the searing heat of stresses and the drought of difficulties in our lives sap the life from us.  Or, to mix our metaphors, when we become unmoored from the Savior, we float away and careen toward calamity.

It’s no accident that the concept of remaining anchored in … attached to! … the Lord permeates the Scriptures. 

David sang about the unmovable force that is the Lord after he delivered David from Saul’s attempt to kill him.  As we read his words, we can’t help but recognize how desperately David clung to his God during those difficult days.

I love you, Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  (Psalm 18:1-2).

Jesus referred to the same concept of God and God’s Word being an unshakable foundation to which the wise are attached:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”  (Matthew 7:24-25).

If we are to stand through the fierce storms of this world, (and none of us avoid those storms!), it is crucial that we remain connected to the ultimate foundation of our Savior. 

Choose whichever illustration you prefer … the living Vine, the unmovable Rock, the impregnable Fortress, the ultimate Stronghold … the point is the same: we need to stay connected to Him.  Why?  Because the Lord is our spiritual Sustanence, our Strength, our Deliverer, our Refuge, our Shield and our Salvation!

Unplug any rechargeable do-dad … a phone, a speaker, a tool, etc. … and it will operate for a while.  But while operating, the charge is slowly draining.  Eventually the power is gone.

It’s the same with our souls!

We must be plugged in to the Lord and his Word to be spiritually recharged, and to stay charged. 

“… The gospel … is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).  The Holy Spirit “powers” us through the “living, active, and penetrating” word of God.  (Hebrews 4:12).

As a pastor, I know this to be true.  I have seen this play out, both negatively and positively, among God’s people. 

Those who neglect reading and hearing God’s Word slowly but surely lose their spiritual power and become more-and-more disconnected from their God.  Their spiritual lights dim, and tragically, sometimes go out altogether.

On the other hand, those who actively read and hear God’s Word become stronger-and-stronger spiritually and more-and-more connected to their God.  They almost glow with spiritual light and life; they thrive in their connection to Jesus, the Vine.

It’s a striking contrast. 

Faith is dynamic; it is always changing.  Either it is growing stronger through our connection with the Lord and his Word, or it is growing weaker through disconnection.

I know which of the two I want happening in me!

Thankfully, our dock is reconnected and anchored.  But much more importantly, may every one of us remain connected and anchored in our loving Lord.

There is no better or safer place to be than close to our Savior … clinging to him as he clings to us, and as he fills us with life, joy and security!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hebrews 10:22-25
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Acts 2:42  (A description of the early Christian church)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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What If … ?

What If … ?

“What if …” are the perfect opening words to inquisitive and introspective queries.  Thousands of questions could begin with those words.

But the ultimate one would have to be … what if Jesus did not rise from the dead?

Paul L. Maier actually explores that scenario in his novel, “A Skeleton in God’s Closet.”  In the story, a team of archeologists discover a skeleton in Israel, and every scientific test points to the conclusion that the bones are Jesus’ bones.  (No, not another Jesus.  The Jesus of the Bible!)

Imagine the repercussions of such a finding for Christian people and the Christian Church!  The entire Bible is built on Christ, and the entire faith is predicated on Christ’s resurrection.  Not just on his crucifixion, but on his resurrection!

The Scriptures lay out the bleak scenario:

If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.  More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. … And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.  (1 Corinthians 15:selected verses).

Here’s how Maier describes the Christian world in the wake of finding Jesus’ supposed bones:

“A country parson so choked up in his pulpit that he collapsed and died halfway through his sermon … Trappist monks who had taken a vow of silence now screaming their disillusionment … fall registration at seminaries and divinity schools down a catastrophic 85 percent as trend pundits promised they would close altogether, along with monasteries and convents … futurologists predicting the conversion of empty churches into restaurants or beer halls ….. suicides, mental and moral breakdowns, vastly increased crime, and the reduction of world Christianity to cult status” (Skeleton, page 174). 

“Pastors are leaving the ministry, congregations are leaving their pastors, seminaries are closing down.  And the agnostics and the atheists are howling their ‘See?  We were right’ line’” (Skeleton, page 180).

In Maier’s story, the discovery not only eviscerates the Christian Church, but it sends catastrophic shock waves throughout the world.  Virtually everything was affected, even the stock market.  It’s quite a fascinating read, and frankly – gloomy as can be. 

Imagine if seemingly convincing “evidence” was discovered that Jesus never rose.  Imagine the ramifications of that.  Maier does, and it’s not a pretty picture.

At the risk of ruining your read should you decide to do so, the protagonist uncovers a brilliant and elaborate hoax.  The bones weren’t Jesus’ bones after all.

But then, the Bible makes that abundantly clear from the start.  After raising the specter of a still-dead Jesus and what that would mean for Christians in 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul states this in the very next verse: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

What if Jesus never rose back to life?  Thankfully that’s not a question we have to consider.  “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead!” the Scriptures boldly and emphatically shout. 

Which means incredible blessings for you and me … for now and for all of eternity!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you … 

Though you have not seen [Jesus Christ], you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  (1 Peter 1:3-4, 8-9).

Jesus’ resurrection proves that he was exactly who he said he was … God himself and the promised Savior.  And it assures us that Jesus accomplished precisely what he came to accomplish … full atonement and eternal salvation for sinners.   “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:25).

We are forgiven.  We are saved.  We have a living Savior, and a living hope.  Our confidence and conviction is unshakable; our destination secured.

Therefore, we love Him.  We rejoice in Him.  We thank Him.  We praise Him. 

And we celebrate Easter with all our hearts!

He is risen!  He is risen indeed! 

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Summarizing the Incomprehensible

Summarizing the Incomprehensible

How does one put it into words?

God himself, existing in absolute glory and worshiped by throngs of angels, willingly left the wonders of heaven to dwell on a very unglorious earth.  That’s astounding enough.  But he didn’t come down just to live on earth, to hang out a while and teach us some important truths, and then quietly extricate himself again.  

Jesus arrived here with the express purpose of dying here.  And not simply dying a quick death, but a slow, excruciatingly torturous one!  The Apostle Paul describes this wonder with these words: 

“Christ Jesus, … being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Why?  Why would Jesus do that?

Well, first of all because he loved us that much.  His incomprehensible love drove him to make the incomprehensible sacrifice for sinners like you and me. 

And secondly, because the Lord realized that there was no other way sufficient atonement for our transgressions could be made, and no other way that sinners like us could transition into heaven one day.  Only his perfect sacrifice would suffice.

So Jesus entered our world to accomplish what only he could accomplish – the saving of sinners.  It was an act of unfathomable love, but it cost him unfathomably.  His suffering has never been matched in the entire history of the world, because he was suffering for everyone in the history of the world. 

It was a price he was willing to pay.

Jesus’ birth led to his death; his death led to his resurrection; his resurrection led to his ascension, when he returned to his rightful home in heaven and resumed his proper seat on a throne of glory.

Paul continued his summary of Jesus’ life and death in Philippians with these words:

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11).

The Apostle summarizes the incomprehensible quite well, doesn’t he?  Which set me to thinking; how would I summarize the events of “Holy Week” in a few words?  Here are a few attempts:

The ultimate injustice endured to procure the ultimate justice.

The perfect example of love demonstrated by the Perfect Example of Love.

The greatest love story ever told.

The most significant week in the history of the world.

The culmination and focal point of the entire Bible.

The Gospel put into the profoundest action by the Lord himself.

A sacrifice too great to give … but given anyway.

Events beyond belief.  (But believe them anyway.  They’re true!)

No greater carnage; no greater blessing!

The Holy One became “unholy” so the unholy ones (you and me) could become holy.

The Life died so the dead could live.

The Lord experienced hell so we could experience heaven.

How the wrongs were made right again.  That is, the Second Adam (Jesus) undoes the damage of the first Adam.

An unpayable debt … paid in full.

“It is finished!”

Holy Week: an occupied cross and then an unoccupied tomb.

The empty tomb of the Lord means a full heart and life for believers.

The ultimate battle and the most glorious victory.

The true God demonstrates why he is truly the one-and-only, greatest of all “gods.”

The incomprehensible … actually happened!

Clearly I’ve only scratched the surface; there is so much more that could be said.  How would you summarize the incomprehensible events of this week?  Please share in the comments box below.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Jesus’ Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: Jesus Provided

Jesus’ Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: Jesus Provided

Any Christian with even a passing knowledge of Jesus’ suffering and death is well aware of the “big things” that our Savior endured as our holy Substitute.  And make no mistake about it, the big things are indeed big! 

However, there are many “little things” that occurred along the way – lesser known and lesser noted things – that carry great significance as well.  For these weeks of the Lenten season, we’ll take note of some of those lesser things that carry large significance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We hear about it every Lenten season in our Passion Reading on Wednesdays.  We know about it on the most basic level, but a good share of the background details are not provided. 

Matthew, Mark and Luke all record the event to varying degrees of specificity.  Of the three writers, Luke perhaps supplies the most information.

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.  Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you.  Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished.  Make preparations there.”

They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. (Luke 22:7-13)

Matthew, Mark and Luke all mention how Peter and John followed Jesus’ instructions and located their Passover accommodations.  But not one of them explains how a huge guest room … fully furnished for a large group to celebrate the Passover happened to be available!

Historical experts estimate that Jerusalem’s population during Jesus’ day was normally somewhere between 60,000 to 100,000 people.  (It’s impossible to pin down an exact number.)  However, all agree that the number during the Passover would double or even triple as scattered Jews would make the pilgrimage to the city!

While those are eye-popping numbers simply in regard to a fascination factor, the point is that any accommodations for celebrations would be extremely limited.  Much less a large room capable of hosting Jesus’ sizable retinue!  And fully furnished for the Passover Meal, no less!

Yet such a room was available.  And it was procured in remarkable fashion. Which fosters all kinds of questions. How did this come about?

Had Jesus somehow personally made arrangements for the room in advance?  Perhaps.  Yet the disciples who were almost always in his company seemed to know nothing about it.  In fact, they pointedly asked Jesus, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” (Mt. 26:17).

Did the Lord miraculously inform the owner of the house – in a vision, a dream, or an angelic appearance (all of which occurred at various times during Jesus’ life) – that the room was needed by Jesus?

Or had whomever the room was intended for found themselves unable to use it, which made it surprisingly and unexpectedly available?  And the perfect solution for Jesus and his disciples, who happened to come asking at the last minute.

Matthew, Mark and Luke don’t tell us.  Perhaps they never knew the answer.  Perhaps they did know but the Holy Spirit simply didn’t inspire them to share it.

Regardless, this leads us to this week’s “seemingly little thing with large significance.”  The disciples must have wondered where in the people-packed city of Jerusalem their group would gather.  They had no clue, but Jesus provided the solution.

“Follow the man carrying the water jar to a house, talk to the homeowner, tell him ‘the Teacher’ needs to use the guest room, and he’ll lead you to a fully furnished room.” And, wonder of wonders, that’s exactly the way it played out for Peter and John!

But then, Jesus had been providing for them wonderfully through his entire ministry. 

He provided the fishermen among them with great catches of fish after their nets had been empty all night.  He provided refreshing wine for his new disciples by transforming water at the wedding in Cana.  Several times he provided meals for them from a few fish and loaves.  (And not just for them but for thousands of others!)  He provided the cessation of a violent storm that threatened to swamp their boats and drown them at sea.  He miraculously provided the temple tax for Peter and himself through Peter catching a fish and retrieving the coin from its mouth.  He even healed Peter’s sick mother-in-law.  And after his resurrection, Jesus fed his disciples by the side of the Sea.

Most importantly of all, Jesus provided their souls with an unprecedented amount of time hearing God’s pure word spoken by God’s pure Word!  No one has ever been so richly blessed!

Of course, Jesus wasn’t done providing for his disciples.  That very night Jesus gave them yet another gift.  It was an ongoing meal of remembrance, of miraculous presence, and of forgiveness.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28).

Once again, Jesus provided for his disciples.  And not only for his immediate disciples, but for all who would follow him in the years to come.  Disciples like you and me! 

It was a gift bringing incredible and wide-ranging blessings, not the least of which is forgiveness of sins.  It was a gift bringing gifts that the disciples needed that evening and through the difficult times that followed. 

It’s a gift we still need as we struggle through life … when we long to be close to Jesus, when we crave the personal assurance that we are forgiven through Jesus, and when we desire the reminder that we are truly children of God and therefore heirs of salvation.

Then the next day Jesus provided yet another mind-boggling gift.  The Passover Lamb of God – “the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1;29) – offered himself as the ultimate Sacrifice for sinners on the altar of the cross.  By doing so, he provided the single greatest and most needed blessing for sinners of all time – full atonement for their iniquities.  And this atonement IS provided.  Jesus made that clear when he stated from the cross, “It is finished.” (Jn. 19:30).

A few days later yet another blessing was furnished by Jesus.  His body which was surely dead came back to life, and the living Savior burst out of the tomb where he had been buried.  Peter summarizes some of the gifts Jesus’ resurrection gives us:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you …” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Jesus lives again!  Therefore we live spiritually already now, and we will live eternally one day. Which imparts upon us a “living hope!”

Jesus provides.  He always has provided for his own; he always will.

Not only spiritual blessings to lead us to heaven, but day-to-day blessings to lead us through life.  Jesus faithfully preserves his people’s well-being.  He provides for them (for us!) and he  protects them (us!).

Paul stated with confidence, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). 

Indeed he has!  Indeed he does!  Indeed he will!  It’s what our Savior does; he provides for us.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

Jesus’ Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: My Kingdom Is Not of This World

Jesus’ Legacy of Seemingly “Little Things” with Large Significance: My Kingdom Is Not of This World

Any Christian with even a passing knowledge of Jesus’ suffering and death is well aware of the “big things” that our Savior endured as our holy Substitute.  And make no mistake about it, the big things are indeed big! 

However, there are many “little things” that occurred along the way – lesser known and lesser noted things – that carry great significance as well.  For these weeks of the Lenten season, we’ll take note of some of those lesser things that carry large significance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

No one understood.  At least not fully.  Most didn’t understand even partially.  This certainly included Jesus’ opponents.  But it also included his closest disciples, who struggled with the concept (see Acts 1:6) until after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit opened their minds and hearts to understand.

This is rather remarkable since Jesus referred to this truth repeatedly throughout his ministry, addressing it in a multitude of manners.  (Over 120 times in the Gospels and Acts!)

Our “seemingly little thing of large significance” for today was spoken by Jesus in a fascinating conversation with the Roman governor, Pontus Pilate.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke abbreviate the talk; John, however, records their dialogue more extensively. 

Luke summarizes Jesus’ enemies’ accusations against him when they had the ear of the governor: “We have found this man subverting our nation.  He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.” (Lk. 23:2).  Then John writes these words:

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”

[Here comes the seemingly little thing!]  Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.  If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king.  In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.”  (John 18:33-38)

“My kingdom is not of this world,” the Lord told Pilate.  And we are probably quick to agree, thinking, “Of course not!  Jesus’ kingdom is in heaven!”

If so, then we show ourselves to not fully understand either – even today with all the insight the Scriptures provide.

But it’s understandable to be confused about this.  Jesus referred to his kingdom over and over as “the kingdom of God” and “the kingdom of heaven.”  He even told Pilate that “my kingdom is from another place.”  Which seems to lead to the logical conclusion that Jesus is speaking about his holy, heavenly kingdom where he sits on a throne and is worshipped by angels and those believers who have entered glory after their lives on earth are over.

While that is indeed “the kingdom of heaven” – and is, in fact, the ultimate culmination of the concept – heaven actually encompasses only a portion of Jesus’ kingdom.

Read the many passages referring to God’s kingdom, (most of them spoken by Jesus), and it becomes clear that this kingdom is certainly not a physical kingdom on earth.  Nor is the kingdom of heaven limited to heaven.  Rather, it is a spiritual kingdom!

As the Apostle Paul explains so well: “For [God the Father] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14).

Where were we?  In “the dominion of darkness.”  That is, in the kingdom of spiritual darkness.  In unbelief! 

Where are we now?  By God’s grace, we have been brought “into the kingdom of the Son” – into the Kingdom of Jesus.  That is, into the kingdom of God; into the kingdom of heaven.  Or to contrast it to “the dominion of darkness” in Colossians 1, God has transitioned us into the kingdom of spiritual light; into faith in our Savior who won our forgiveness and purchased our salvation with his suffering and death!

This is clearly not a physical or geographical kingdom. It’s a spiritual status with spiritual blessings.  Again, quoting Paul: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit …” (Romans 14:17).

An ideal earthly king provides moral stability, societal peace and personal joy to any who dwell in his kingdom.  (A worthy goal, but a wholly unreachable one in this broken world.) 

In Jesus, however, we have the ideal spiritual King who brings all who hail him as Lord and Savior incredible spiritual blessings through the moving of the Holy Spirit.  Spiritual blessings like “righteousness” – being regarded as right with God by God despite our many sins.  And the blessing of inner “peace” that derives from knowing we who are guilty are considered guiltless by the holy God.  And an unquenchable “joy” that burns bright even in life’s greatest hardships because we know we are dearly loved by God who works all things for our good. (Romans 8:28).

An earthly king or leader can’t provide these things; but Jesus, our heavenly King, can and does!

Jesus’ kingdom extends over every person whose heart is devoted to Him – whether on earth or in heaven.  All who dwell in that spiritual kingdom are abundantly blessed.  Blessed through the blessings and challenges of life on earth, and ultimately blessed forever and ever in heaven in the very presence of our King.

It’s interesting that Jesus’ kingship and kingdom were repeatedly referred to in a cruel and twisted fashion as he endured his suffering (in order to establish his spiritual kingdom!).

His enemies brought the accusation to Pilate that Jesus claimed to be an earthly king opposed to Caesar as the reason he merited capital punishment. (Lk. 23:2).

Governor Pilate repeatedly referred to Jesus as the “king of Jews” … both to Jesus (Mt. 27:11) and to Jesus’ enemies (Mk. 15:9-12).  Pilate even ordered a sign made and posted over Jesus’ cross, referring to him as “Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews.” (Jn. 19:19).

The Roman soldiers took great delight in mocking Jesus, “the king of the Jews.” Their games at Jesus’ expense included draping a kingly robe on Jesus, impaling a crown of thorns on his head, and placing a staff his hand. They knelt in mock homage to him and spit on him.  If that wasn’t enough, they took the staff and beat down upon the crown of thorns with it. (Mt. 27:27-30).

Even as Jesus hung on the cross, the Jewish leaders didn’t miss the opportunity to ridicule him as the “King of Israel” who couldn’t save himself and who wasn’t rescued by God. (Mt. 27:41-43).

No one understood the type of King Jesus was and the Kingdom he was establishing.  Most didn’t care to understand.

God grant that we not fall into that category.  Rather, may the Spirit help us recognize and rejoice in the King Jesus is, and in the Kingdom Jesus established.  He is King of our hearts, our minds, our lives, our family, our church, our past, present and future on earth, and our eternity in heaven.  Jesus reigns over our everything!

Though he was ridiculed and even reviled as “the king of the Jews,” he is truly our King who brought us victory and entrance into the spiritual “kingdom of God.”  And thankfully that kingdom … his kingdom … isn’t restricted to one nation or even to one place, but it graciously and wonderfully extends over you and me, wherever we may be. 

It’s the very kingdom we pray impacts us positively and powerfully every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come.” (Mt. 6:10).  Thankfully, it’s a prayer Jesus has already answered … and one he will continue to graciously answer.

What a marvelous King He is!  What a magnificent Kingdom He has established!

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