We Cannot Keep From Speaking

This meditation is based on a passage for April 30, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Acts 4:13-31

Reflection and Question: Life for Jesus’ followers after his death and resurrection was full of wonders and surprises. At this point in the story, Peter and John have been arrested but after seeing their popularity with the crowds, the priests decide to reprimand them and let them go. The effect is one of greater joyful energy among the faithful who “were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.” Opposition helped them rather than hindered them, as is the case when the movement is of God. When were you unable to keep from speaking and what happened?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, what Peter and John faced is familiar to us in our day. When we burst out with Your healing word some reprimand us, demanding silence. Give us Your joyful spirit, the response of Your first followers. Make us bold, too. Amen.