Slices
Prepare
Journal about or reflect on a time you felt you could never make amends for a mistake you made.
Bible passage
26 ‘Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognise Jesus, yet in condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and for many days he was seen by those who had travelled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people.
32 ‘We tell you the good news: what God promised our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
‘“You are my son;
today I have become your father.”
34 God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said,
‘“I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.”
35 So it is also stated elsewhere:
‘“You will not let your holy one see decay.”
36 ‘Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.
38 ‘Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
41 ‘“Look, you scoffers,
wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe,
even if someone told you.”’
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
Explore
Now Paul dives into the meat of his message, showing how the death and resurrection of Jesus started the surprising new chapter of the story his Jewish audience would know inside out. His rabbinic training surfaces in the skilful weaving-in of scriptures that guide our line of sight from David to the resurrection. The divine sonship of God’s Messiah (v 33), whose body would not decay (vs 35–37), and the availability of his enduring, faithfully covenanted love (v 34) are fulfilled in Jesus. Significant undertones resonate from each citation: the opposing of God’s anointed by earthly rulers, the encompassing of all nations in the Messiah’s glorious reign and the urgency of recognising his sovereignty and responding to his mercy – a theme Paul drives home in his final reference (v 41).
But the focal point is the new freedom available to us in God’s forgiveness (vs 38,39). No longer need we strive to fulfil the requirements of rules never intended to make or keep us right with him. No farther need we carry sin’s burden of guilt and shame. No more futile self-justification; no more flinching at accusation. Instead, belief is the byway into the promised new work God is doing for his chosen people, and through them for the nations. No wonder Paul doesn’t want anyone to miss it!
Respond
Pray: ‘Thank you, Jesus, for the freedom of forgiveness your death and resurrection welcome me into. Please help me to enter it fully. Amen.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Leviticus 27; Numbers 1; Acts 13
Pray for Scripture Union
Please ask God to help the team at St Mary’s and the other churches in the Shingay benefice as they seek to connect and build relationships with local parents – having the support of parents is vital in helping children’s faith to take root. (This week's prayers relate to this article)
