7th March 25

Good morning all,

just a quick reminder, service on Sunday 10.30am, come and join us, you would be so welcome.

 

Reading

Acts 2.22-32

‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him,

 

“I saw the Lord always before me,

    for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;

therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;

    moreover, my flesh will live in hope.

For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

    or let your Holy One experience corruption.

You have made known to me the ways of life;

    you will make me full of gladness with your presence.”

 

‘Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,

 

“He was not abandoned to Hades,

    nor did his flesh experience corruption.”

 

This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.

 

Reflection 

Peter's first sermon on Pentecost highlighted the resurrection of Christ, quoting the words of David, a king of Israel in the Old Testament. Although David was still in the tomb, the one he spoke of was alive. David, speaking by faith, rested in hope, anticipating the fulfilment of God’s promise. 

 

We, like David, can live in hope - not just in death, but also in life. Living in hope means having confidence in God’s promises, knowing they will be fulfilled. Even when our hopes are shattered - by the death of a loved one, a negative medical report, or disappointing circumstances - we stand firm in God’s promises. 

 

Archbishop Rowan Williams once described hope as not merely a confidence in the future but trust in a continuous reality - one where the past, present, and future are grounded in God’s truth. Because God’s promises are fulfilled both now and in the future, we live in the land of hope.

Challenge

When the future you hope for feels a long way away, what helps you keep going? Could you make a list of the things that help you stay hopeful and thank God for them?

 

Today's prayers.....

 

Prayer for the week

Faithful one,

your word is sure and never fails.

Help us to endure patiently

the trials and tribulations of this life

in sure and certain hope

of being with you for ever.

Amen.

 

 

Please pray for the unsettled situations in the Middle East and in Europe and Ukraine.

 

Have a great weekend, looking forward to seeing you Sunday.

 

Rev Rie