Daily Readings - Thu Apr 20 2023
Acts
27Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.28"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."29Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!30The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.
John
31"The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.32He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.33The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.34For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.35The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, obedience, and the divine nature of Jesus Christ. The first reading from Acts 5:27-33 depicts Peter and the Apostles standing courageously before the Jewish council, refusing to cease their teachings about Jesus. Despite the council's orders, they affirm their allegiance to God, emphasizing that obedience to Him surpasses human authority. This scene highlights the early Christian church's struggle against persecution and the unwavering commitment of the Apostles to their faith.
The Gospel from John 3:31-36 shifts our focus to the theological significance of Jesus. John emphasizes Jesus' divine origin, stating that He is above all things and speaks the words of God. The passage underscores the importance of belief in Jesus for eternal life, noting that the Father has entrusted everything to the Son. This text invites us to reflect on the nature of belief and its consequences—eternal life for believers and the wrath of God for those who refuse to believe.
Both readings converge on themes of obedience and belief. The Apostles in Acts exemplify obedience to God despite persecution, while John's Gospel calls us to believe in Jesus as the path to eternal life. These messages encourage us to evaluate our own commitment to faith. In our daily lives, we face choices that test our allegiance to God. Will we stand firm in our beliefs, even when challenged, or will we succumb to the pressures of the world? The readings remind us that true faith requires courage and trust in God's plan.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider the state of our own faith. Are we willing to face challenges head-on, trusting in God's wisdom? The consequence of unbelief is separation from God, while belief offers us eternal life. Let us strive to live out our faith with the same courage as the Apostles, trusting in Jesus' promise of eternal life. May our commitment to God guide us in all our decisions, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him.