Worship for the 1st Sunday after Easter

by Peter Blount 19 April 2020

Pause a moment and consider those words from John’s Gospel.

Then listen to the Acts of the Apostles Ch 2 - Part of Peter’s first under the power of the Holy Spirit

Two contrasting readings!

First we read of the immense struggle Thomas has, to grasp what the other disciples were trying to telling him with such enthusiasm, having not been amongst them when the risen Jesus had appeared, blessed them and talked with them earlier.

There is not that much recorded about Thomas, but he seem to be a very practical man, wanting to act only on what he can see and experience as fact. So in this instant all Thomas wants is some kind of proof that Jesus, who had seen crucified was now alive! Under the circumstances not an unreasonable course to follow.

Moving on to the Acts of the Apostles, Peter speaks to the crowd, not with Thomas’s uncertainty or wavering conviction but with power and authority that comes only through Holy Spirit granted to him. The people, perhaps including the disciples and those close to him (Peter), are amazed, some perplexed, some excited, some enriched but all convinced they are witness to something quite literally ‘out of this world’. Yet all that is said and done on that day was to convince the listeners that not only was Jesus alive, but His power was in action and available for each one of them.

I guess, for us, in these uncertain times it is easy to take Thomas’s approach and seek for facts, reality and proof. After all we are surrounded by mis-information, half truths and false advice. Bombarded by advertising, TV & radio ‘news’, political speeches etc, all of which only tell us at best, part of the story, or more likely what someone else thinks we need to know.

As Thomas did, we are correct to seek the facts and the truth.

The Easter Story, familiar though it may be, continues to give us not just the starting point. But, it gives us everything that we need to base our thinking, praying and preaching on, the indisputable fact that Jesus rose from the dead and secured our future in His love.

Now spend a few moments to consider again, Thomas and Peter in these very different circumstances.

In these undoubtedly difficult times ponder the truth on which your faith is built.

Rejoice in the fact that God is love and loves you.

Silence

Now join the congregation of The Metropolitan Tabernacle London to sing

‘Jesus The Name High Over All’

A blessing

May the God who raised Jesus from the dead grant you peace, purpose and his presence this Eastertide.

In Jesus name we pray.

Amen