Life This Side of Heaven

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.