Jesus was raised from the dead according to God’s plan and David’s
prophecy.
The first readings for the Sundays after Easter are all taken from the
Book of the Acts of the Apostles. Written by St Luke as a continuation of his
Gospel, it is an account of the early Church, a snapshot. Like the Book of Acts
itself, the readings will show how the Gospel was first preached in Jerusalem,
and then, in ever-widening circles, throughout the world and down through
history unto our day. The reading for next week has Peter and the other
apostles being brought before the Jewish high council and questioned by the
high priest for proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. Though they were beaten
and charged not to speak in the name of Jesus, they rejoiced that they
were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for His name, and did not cease
teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
In his Pentecost sermon Peter blames the cross on men; “you crucified and
killed by the hands of lawless men.” V.23 The Resurrection on the other hand,
is the work of God. Vv.24, 32 Jesus did not rise on his own accord nor by his
own power. The redemption of the world was the work of God. He used lawless men
as instruments to put is Son of the cross. God in His overruling providence
vindicates, glorifies, and exalts Jesus through the Resurrection. It was all in
the plan and foreknowledge of God. V.23 Luke claims that David foretold the
Resurrection in Psalm 16. Man does his worst to God, but God does his best for
man.
Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You
overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. We humbly pray
that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever; through the
same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.[2]
Collect
for Wednesday of the week of Easter 1: God
our Father, on this solemn feast you give us the joy of recalling the rising of
Christ to new life. May the joy of our annual celebration bring us to the joy
of eternal life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord,
who lives wand reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen [3]
12 April 2023
[1] The Risen
Christ, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for the Feast
of the Resurrection of Our Lord
[3] Collect for
Wednesday of the week of Easter 1, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By
the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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