 There are some professions that would be interesting to hear what
people have to say. Like, why do funeral directors do what they
do? Honestly, I’m a bit fascinated with the idea that someone may
feel called to work with the deceased and with the families. But
since we are on the subject let me ask you, “Why do you do what you
do?” Better yet (and perhaps even more personal) “Why do you attend
church every Sunday?” What would you say? Or to go a little
further, if someone asked you why you believe what you believe, what
would you say? Do you have an answer? The Apostle Peter did.
In Acts 2, you will remember, the Holy Spirit appears and does His
work. Those filled with the Holy Spirit begin speaking in other
languages recognized by the people hearing them. Because this is
happening the people want to know, “Why are they doing this and what
does it mean?” Peter stands up and gives them an answer – a good
answer. “Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord!” Actually, that’s why the
whole book of Acts happens. Everything that the disciples do
following the gift of the Holy Spirit is because of the resurrection
of Jesus Christ. Peter plainly tells them – God raised Jesus, He
performed miracles, wonders, and signs through Jesus, etc. Peter
testifies what God did in Jesus and what God is doing with, in, and
for them. “God did this for us,” Peter says, “and here is what we
are doing because of it – we are telling others that Jesus lives
because God raised Him from the dead.”
God did not ask His witnesses to die but to speak boldly about how
He acted and continues to act. In other words, those who followed
the Risen Lord went around answering the question.
There is a standard joke for children’s sermons that whenever asked
a question, the answer is always, “Jesus.” While it might make us
smile there is an underlying truth here. Jesus should be the answer
to every question. He should be the answer to what we believe, why
we believe, and why live out our faith.
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But to go back to the beginning, if someone asked you, “Why do you
attend church,” what would your answer be? Now, I know I’ve already
given you the “right” answer, but what would your real answer be?
It’s amazing how many things we can list for our reasons for doing
what we do and even going to church before we ever get to Jesus.
Peter starts with Jesus and he will end with Jesus.
It is Peter who gives us a wake up call. We still live in the
post-Easter time. We are still the resurrection people whether
we’re hearing the good news for the first time, the tenth time, or
the thousandth time. Peter gives us sound advice –
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“Let Jesus be more than just a name to you. Hear with
your heart as well as your ears because when you do, it is
Pentecost all over again.” |
The proclamation that He is risen changes everything…forever.
Don’t ever forget we are still an Easter people. We are still
called to hear, proclaim, and live the good news. As witnesses of
Jesus we are to be glad and promote life among our brothers and
sisters. So much so that people look at us strangely because we
leave church smiling, joyous, and singing His praises not murmuring
and complaining. As we go about our days greeting one another with
joy and love – we want people to look at us and wonder, “Are they
drunk? Why else would they be acting so happy and hospitable.” And
when asked why we do what we do, why we give of ourselves in ways
that make the rational world scratch its collective head, we can
stand like Peter and answer, “because this Jesus was raised from the
dead and we are His witnesses.”
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