Friday 16 April

Today is Friday the 16 April, in the Second Week of Easter.

One Hope Project sings, ‘Come Close’. Can you make these your own words today?

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

Acts 5:34-39

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 find yourself fighting against God!"

‘If this is of human origin it will fail; if it is of God, it cannot be resisted.’ What reaction does this idea provoke in you?

Gamaliel talks about the danger that he and his colleagues might find themselves fighting against God. Have you ever found yourself in that situation? What did it feel like.

This passage says something very profound and challenging about God’s providence and God’s sovereignty. As you listen again, ask yourself: ‘how have I experienced this guidance and providence of God in my life.’

Spend some time now with the risen Lord, perhaps bringing before him whatever is most worrying you at the moment, and asking him to show you how you might come to terms with it.

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.