Sunday 4 May 2025

Today is Sunday the 4th of May, beginning the 3rd week of Eastertide. One Hope Project sings ‘My Soul Rests’. Here in this mystery Here in Your majesty I find myself With nothing to offer Your love surrounds me You give me yourself My soul rests, my soul rests In your embrace My spirit sings, my spirit sings All your praise Here in your presence The whole host of heaven Bows down low There’s no higher honour No love that’s greater You make us your own You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs You’re so close, Jesus, so close to me Like the breath in my lungs Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 5:27-32, 40-41 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name. We began the week with readings about the life and witness of the apostles in Jerusalem, and we end the week with an account of them continuing in their obedience to God, even in the face of punishment. Perhaps you know someone who is a minister of the Gospel today, also serving in a challenging situation or environment? Bring them to mind now in prayer, asking for God’s blessing upon them today. At their trial, the apostles say, ‘We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ Where in your life do you need the presence of the Holy Spirit with you? Talk with the Lord about this situation now. As you listen to the reading again, picture Peter and the apostles as they stand before the council in Jerusalem. What do you notice about them? Acts 5:27-32, 40-41 When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, so that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.’ and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name. 'As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name.' Recall again your experiences, suffered because of your faith in Jesus. Imagine that you are walking with the apostles in Jerusalem talking about these experiences. Perhaps you can let this fellowship of believers, with their experiences and their joy, be a blessing to you today, on your journey of faith. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen