Friday 24 April

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Today is Friday the 24 April, in the Season of Easter.

One Hope Project sing, ‘Where the Lord Dwells’. As you settle down in this time, do you find yourself wanting some company … or needing a break from people you live with … Are there people you are concerned for? Bring them and yourself before God, who is always there with you…

Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.  

But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them, ‘Fellow-Israelites, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!’ They were convinced by 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. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. (Acts 5:34-42)

The apostles are speaking powerfully about Jesus having risen from the dead. The Pharisees are trying to silence them. Why do you think it is that the Pharisees are so disturbed by the apostles’ words?  

One of the Pharisees, Gamaliel, urges caution. Any move to silence the apostles might be opposing God’s plans. Can you think of people in the world today, in the church or outside it, who God uses to get across his message? What is it that God says through them?  

This time around listen out particularly for how the apostles react to all that is said and done to them here.  

Talk to God about ways in which he uses you to get some part of his message across to other people. How might you be able to do this at a time when most of our communication is taking place through social media and online? Bring your thoughts to the Lord now, as one friend speaks to another…

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.