April 10, 2010
Today’s Bible Reading- Acts 2: 22-42
22 ‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— 23this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25For David says concerning him,
“I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;
26therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover, my flesh will live in hope.
27For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One experience corruption.
28You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.”
29 ‘Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,
“He was not abandoned to Hades,
nor did his flesh experience corruption.”
32This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. 33Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. 34For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ”
36Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’
The First Converts
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ 38Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ 40And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ 41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
TODAY’S REFLECTIONS
Peter continues his inspired speech making it key that Jesus, whom was crucified (and now raised) was indeed the long awaited Messiah. It is my understanding that the long awaited Messiah was envisioned to be a mighty warrior- much more in the mold of gladiator than humble servant. But, Peter makes it clear that Jesus was indeed that Messiah. He boldly proclaims that the life and teaching of Jesus was the one to follow for the long haul on this journey of life.
Many had gathered to see the spectacle of spoken languages for all to hear (at Pentecost) and now they are open to hearing Peter’s proclamation. One can imagine translators quickly listening to Peter and then recasting his words for the diverse audience. What is neat is that people were listening and sensed that Jesus offered something more than what they experienced- a way of life that might actually work; a way of life that might actually enrich and build up the world instead of tearing it into competing factions; a way that might lead to peace, generosity, and radical care.
We hear many diverse messages all the time (in every medium). We need the miracle of focus ourselves. I however believe that focusing our efforts on Christ and his ways brings us further into engagement with the world, better able to care for the people around us, and has us living lives of incredible gratitude.
As we, in 2010, dedicate ourselves to Jesus’ teaching, to connecting with the people of faith, and praying (which reminds us of our need for power beyond ourselves)- we are “powering up” for the mission God has in store for us. This pattern will continue to be present for the followers. They dedicate themselves to each others, to the gathering and then head out into the mission field. The minister there and continually return to build each other up. A good, life giving pattern. Much better than run, run, run, run. . . . until we are too weary to do much else.
Blessings for a good Saturday. Looks like a beautiful one here in Maryland- sun and nice crisp morning air. Some grass to cut, games to coach, and with some good fortune- a glimpse at the Masters!
Reminder—No Devotions on Sundays. Join us at church at Good Shepherd or a local church in your community. Blessings
Pastor Dave
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