Daily Readings - Mon Apr 17 2023
Acts
23And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:25Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?26The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,28For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
John
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and transformation. The first reading from Acts 4:23-31 depicts the early Christian community praying for courage and strength after facing threats from religious leaders. They acknowledge God's sovereignty and ask for boldness to continue their mission, trusting in His plan. The second reading, John 3:1-8, introduces Nicodemus, a Pharisee who visits Jesus secretly. Jesus teaches him about being born again through water and the Spirit, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual rebirth to enter the Kingdom of God.
The context of these readings is pivotal. The early Christians in Acts are united in prayer amidst persecution, reflecting the resilience of the fledgling church. Nicodemus, a respected leader, seeks Jesus under the cover of night, indicating his curiosity and perhaps fear of judgment. Both scenarios highlight the challenges of living out one's faith, whether through overt persecution or internal doubt.
These readings intertwine through themes of courage and transformation. The early Christians' prayer for boldness mirrors Jesus' call to Nicodemus for spiritual rebirth. Both emphasize trust in God's plan and openness to the Holy Spirit. Applying this to our lives, we are reminded to face challenges with faith, seeking strength through prayer and remaining open to spiritual growth.
The moral lesson here is the importance of prayer and spiritual transformation. Like the early church, we can find courage in prayer, trusting God's plan. And like Nicodemus, we must embrace the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, allowing ourselves to be transformed and reborn. This spiritual journey enables us to see and enter the Kingdom of God, living with renewed purpose and faith.