Friday 28 April 2023

Background

We read yesterday how Peter and John were up before the Jewish authorities for healing and preaching in the name of Jesus, and, despite warnings and threats, they refused to stop doing so and were released. As we might expect, their first move was to go to their friends and report back. In turn, the group respond by lifting their voices to God in a prayer that has three strands.

Firstly (vs 24-26) they praise God as sovereign (stressing God's authority is far greater than that of those who were troubling them), as creator, and as one well used to opposition, misunderstanding and plotting.They quote from Psalm 2 (vs 1-2) in seeing God  throughout the ages standing firm against the misguided assault of human leadership. 

Then (vs 27-28) they recall before God how Herod, Pilate and the people were constantly pitted against Jesus. They acknowledge however that even this opposition was not outside what God had "predestined to take place".  Such terminology might cause problems to a Methodist theology which rejects predestination in favour of the freedom of all to choose salvation through Christ. There does not need to be a conflict; it is not unreasonable to hold in tension that precious universal invitation with the undeniable truth that where goodness is demonstrated, some will always want to oppose, evade or attack.     

Thirdly (vs 29-30) they ask the Lord to act now. Although God is invited to "look at their threats", the believers do not tell God what to do to their opponents, but rather request boldness for themselves while, at the same time, asking God to work through them with healing, signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. God hears and answers the prayer; the building shakes and the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit and with the boldness to speak the word of God for which they had prayed (and which the authorities had forbidden).

To Ponder:

• How, in your experience, has the Church responded to opposition, criticism or oppression?
• Peter and John find support from their company of faith. In what ways can the Church today stand in solidarity with Christians who are persecuted or oppressed?
• What might the Church today learn from the prayer of these early believers?

Prayer

Shake us, Jesus, out of our complacency and apathy. Fill us again with your Spirit of boldness and witness that we may find courage to speak your word. Amen.