Lectionary Reading for Easter 3 (part 1). 26 April
Collect for today. (Methodist Prayer Book) Almighty Father, who in our mercy made glad the hearts of the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give to us such knowledge of his presence with us that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life, and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen .
Read. Acts 2:14a, 36-41. Verse 37 comes at the end of Peter’s sermon but the lectionary leaves this out to return to it at Pentecost. So we begin in this reading at the climax of Peter’s teaching as he announces that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah; some versions have Lord and Christ.
Peter now proclaims that Jesus is Lord and Messiah which marks a big change of thought for in the Easter stories the disciples are pictured as both bewildered and afraid. We are not left with any great confidence that they have understood exactly what has happened. Now, we view the story after 2000 plus years and so we have a distinct advantage over the disciples. We need to remember that the disciples did not expect Jesus to return to life. Like us they knew very positively that dead people do not return to life again. And similarly, like us their minds did not readily accept that Jesus could possibly be alive. However here we are, with Peter not only confident but publicly declaring this remarkable happening to anyone and everyone who would listen. What had happened that had brought about this radical change of mind and more importantly change of world-view? Firstly, Peter and the others had seen Jesus and once more shared life with him. Secondly, through the coming of the Spirit they had begun to realise what Jesus’ return signified. As people seeped in the Hebrew Scriptures they had discovered that Jesus had indeed fulfilled all that Messiah was prophesied to be and do. Now Peter is empowered to declare this message to everyone. In recording this sermon presentation fully, Luke leaves the reader with the question Peter’s hearers had; “What must we do?” If however this is not our response then perhaps we have failed to hear that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.
Prayer. Gracious God, Father of our Lord Jesus we thank you for bringing Jesus to new life and through him bringing to us a new awareness of your power in both life and death. You sent Jesus to seek and save those who were lost and away from you. Your plan before the foundation of the world was to reconcile all things into your kingdom. May we who have found your love, value those who still do not know you and never turn away from those who need to hear. Remembering how our faith was formed, may we proclaim Good News in our words, our deeds and our attitudes, so that your love may be known far and wide. Lord we pray that we may hear your call to so serve you, and pray for faith to trust that your word may take root in all our hearts and lives and produce the fruit of faith filled believers. To your honour and glory, we pray. Amen
Read. Psalm 116: 1-4; 12-19 There are two parts to this reading, in the first four verses the psalmist is reaching out toward God, clearly in distress. Some event has brought the fear of death upon the psalmist and so calling out to God is the only remedy. Still it is not without a sense of hope for the psalmist is also recognising that God has been listening. Since God listens the psalmist is prepared to trust God, “as long as I live”. In the face of deepest trouble and concern there is the determination to place all trust in God. Then the reading moves to a different section and a different mood, “What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,
I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people”. Here is recognition of what God has done, what action God has taken in the life of one who at one time was in deep distress. Lifting the cup of salvation as a thank offering has echoes of the Passover Festival which took the Israelite people back to the story of the Exodus. In its Hebrew setting salvation is also interpreted as deliverance. Salvation has a huge range of meanings, saved, healing and health but also deliverance: The whole Exodus story is one of deliverance and rescue: a rescue leading to healing and wholeness, hence salvation: Deliverance that occurred in the past brings hope also of deliverance that will occur in the future. Israel looked forward to that time when once again the Lord God would deliver his people. This is the theme that the psalmist picks up; God is a God of deliverance. The God who listens is also the God who acts and in this action people are protected and restored. God can and will deliver his people: There is no need to be afraid for we can trust God whatever is to be faced. In God’s safe hands all his people can experience hope and security. Therefore, “I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people”.
Prayer: Lord God, like the psalmist, help us to put our whole trust in you and look to you alone for deliverance. Grant to us, hope which will lead us on into the future that you have prepared. Though at present we are isolated from one another keep us faithful to you. May we share the concerns of one another in an honest and compassionate way: Make us fruitful and faithful to our calling as your servants. May our love be sincere as we reach out in your name. Visit, each of our homes O Lord, and let your holy presence dwell in them to preserve all who live there in peace; and may your blessing surround each one who is in need of comfort and assurance. Help us all to look toward the future with hope. Bless and guide those leaders who are making decisions which will have far reaching consequences for all of us. Be with those attending to the sick and those who are critically ill. Give to them wisdom courage and protection. In all these situations we look to you for deliverance and for better times ahead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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