Sunday 12th April, 2nd Sunday of Easter (1st after Easter)

During the season between Easter and Pentecost, one reading at our main Sunday service is always from the Book of Acts, Luke’s story of the early days of the church. One of the key points Luke wanted to make was that the Spirit that empowered the life and ministry of Jesus continued to empower the Church.

Today’s reading is taken from Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost, the earliest recorded proclamation of the Gospel. Peter’s core message is very simple: Jesus has risen from the dead, and this proves that he is who he said he was. More than that, Peter says, it was impossible that Jesus remain in death. The power of God for life is stronger than anything, even death, and that power continues to flow in the life of God’s people from that day to this.

The New Testament writers are unanimous on this point: the Christian message stands or falls on the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. If he is risen, then nothing in the world or beyond it can prevent God from fulfilling his purposes. Whatever challenges, hardships or obstacles are put in his way, God wins, even if at times it looks as if everything is going in the wrong direction. And if God wins, we win too, if we are with him.

Every blessing
Roger