This is the message we have heard and proclaim to you –God is light, and in God there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
Reading. Acts 4:32-35 This passage follows on from the story of Peter and John being forced to present themselves before the ruling council of the High Priest which resulted from the healing of the lame man. The notable healing had seen the action of God in the events of everyday life. Despite this opposition throughout the whole chapter we sense the energy and enthusiasm that the believers have following the resurrection and now the preaching of that good news. Luke is quick to emphasise that the tangible result of that is a complete reliance on the provision of God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19–20
With this understanding came the confidence to share together as a cohesive group. Today this would be quite unusual but in the times of the New Testament it was unheard of for most people lived almost hand to mouth. The idea of having surplus would have been the privilege only of the rich and most prosperous. However Luke is not simply describing a work of social action but of how the coming of the Holy Spirit has changed the hearts of the believers and formed a true community of faith. It reminds us that the faith we hold in Jesus links us in relationship with fellow believers. Because of Jesus our attitudes towards one another is to be one of care and concern.
Prayer. Lord, open our eyes to see the opportunities to serve you which come our way each day. Give us the wisdom and insight that we need to be in the places of your choosing so that our service for you is both fruitful and effective. Bring to mind just now those people or situations for which you want us to pray. May our service be not in words alone but is power and in the Holy Spirit. May we see answers to our prayers according to your promise. May we not grow weary in doing good. Strengthen us for your effective service and may all our work bring honour and glory to you. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. John 20:19-31. This is a graphic story of faith. Once Thomas has seen the signs he believed. Tradition tells us that it was Thomas who took the faith to India and beyond. He became a powerful witness for Jesus. The story reminds us that it is not where you begin that counts but where you end on the faith journey. Thomas wanted an eye witness meeting before he would accept that Jesus who had died was now alive. We are so used to hearing the story that it is easy to forget just how big that truth is to fully accept. Despite his doubt Jesus did not rebuke Thomas; rather he accommodated his need to see firsthand. Doubt is not necessarily the prelude to unbelief it can just as easily be the prelude to deep and true faith.
Jesus tells all of his disciples to be at peace. Those who believe immediately and also those who take a while longer, all can be at peace. Peace comes because through the Holy Spirit all believers are accepted and equipped to serve. We too can be at peace because Jesus welcomes us as we believe and then also equips us to serve. All whom he calls he uses for all are called to serve.
Prayer. Lord, at Easter we crowd together to hear again the message that Jesus is alive. It is for us a special day. But Lord you also know our faith and you know our doubts and fears. We want to believe, but like Thomas we wonder if we can. We would like all our questions to be answered but we know they will not all be answered. Despite our times of doubt Lord, bless us and use us that the name of our Lord Jesus may be lifted high and others may come to hear of his love and great salvation. Lord may lives be changed because Jesus lives. Amen
Collect.
Let us pray (as Christians thirsting for the risen life):
Faithful God, when we are hidden behind locked doors, Christ comes to us with words of peace. Help us to hear his voice, and join him in reaching out to the world; we ask this through our risen Lord. Amen.
ericjkirkham.com 