Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
"My chains are gone, I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, amazing grace."
These lyrics are found in one of my favorite contemporary Christian songs. They are found in an updated version of the song we all know, Amazing Grace. God’s grace is surely amazing. For he so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son to save and set us free.
Though we do not live in the Apostolic age there still are prisons that hold Christians because of their beliefs. Beyond the literal we often put ourselves into prisons of our own making. Today’s reading from Acts details the preaching of the Apostles in the Temple. No longer locked in the upper room they had gotten over their fear. Yet in contrast the fear of the Sanhedrin was growing. It grew because more and more Jews were becoming believers in Christ. The Sanhedrin, scared of the growing number of believers, was driven to jail the apostles. In a miraculous turn of events the believers were set free by the spirit. Their freedom, having been won by God, allowed them to return to preaching the good news in the temple. What fears prevent us entering into the life as a faith filled disciple?
We know that for those who believe their salvation has been won. We know that for those who choose not to believe condemnation exists. Still that is not what the Lord desires. He wants to make all of us one Body, one Spirit, in Christ. Yet what holds us back? Does some sin or fear imprison us? What would enable us to better trust that the Lord has already paid the price, already set us free?
The apostles were fully aware of what had just happened to their friend, Jesus. They knew the cost of discipleship might be their life. Today’s scripture reminds us that they were willing to pay that price. Are we willing to accept that cost? A true life in the Spirit calls for nothing less than the willingness to give it all for the sake of Gospel. And we if truly believe that then our chains are gone, and we will be set free.
"Loving and Merciful God, help us to give ourselves completely to a life of discipleship. Empower us not to waver so that we, like the Apostles, might trust You enough to step out in faith and proclaim the good news. May words of praise ever be in our mouths so that our lives are filled with joy that is radiant. Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love, so that through us, You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen! Alleluia!"
- Michael Montgomery