” 14a But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them… 22 “Fellow 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… 25 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; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover, my flesh will live in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades or let your Holy One experience corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’” [Acts 2:14a-22, 25-28]
At this juncture in Acts, Jesus has ascended, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit has occurred on Pentecost. Peter is standing with the eleven addressing the Israelites that have come to town to celebrate the Festival of Weeks. He attests to the risen Christ and then reaches back into ancestral history remembering what David said of the one to come. David is not shaken because God is always with him. David’s heart is glad and full of hope because God is ever present. What about us? What is the condition of our hearts this Wednesday after the glory of Easter morn? Are our hearts glad or are our hearts overburdened by the realities of our world. What is amazing about our faith is that even when life is difficult and overwhelming, joy is possible because our gladness comes from knowing that God is with us always regardless of our circumstances. Let us hold fast the hope that does not disappoint, to the love that endures, to the ever-present presence who is with us always. God’s faithfulness is steadfast and ever sure.
Prayer
Always present presence, help me to claim this truth for my life. That I am never ever alone for you are always with me. Be my steadfast anchor of hope this day and forevermore. Amen.
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