April 19, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for April 19th: Acts 2:14,22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31; Theme: The Joy of Resurrection 1 Peter: What does resurrection look like in the corona virus age? Spring has come, but will there really be a rebirth? 1 Peter speaks to having faith in a difficult time. The themes of this verse are community, mission and suffering. All of these things very relevant to the situation of today. These are words of inspiration through a difficult time, as is most of the bible. There is the normal message that things will eventually get better. There is the normal message that trials have a way of strengthening our faith. Peter’s message to us is that God’s great mercy gives of new birth that will lead to a living hope and faith that leads to salvation. We may have to wait for the rebirth of life as we know it, but the rebirth of our faith begins in the here and now John: This is the story of what the disciples are doing after the resurrection. They are afraid, but who are they more afraid of – the authorities or Jesus. After all, Jesus is alive, so now he will be disappointed in them for deserting him in his time of need. And yet it is Jesus who finds them even in a locked room. Jesus does not yell at them or question them, instead he brings them a message of peace. All is well, He gives them a peace that surpasses all understanding. He tells them that it is more important to let go of grudges and to move on – what it bound on earth is bound in heaven, but what it loosed on earth, will be loosed in heaven. In other words to just let it all go. And to realize that forgiveness and understanding is not something you have to do alone. The Holy Spirit will give you the strength to move on from a hurtful situation Questions: What do you think the rebirth of spring will look like this year? How has your faith helped you to get through this? What is it that you have to let go of to move forward? Have you experienced the Spirit of God helping you to forgive?