Glimpses of Grace

Read Luke 24:44-49 (NRSV)

44Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’

Read 1 Peter 1:10-12 (NRSV)

10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, 11inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated, when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory. 12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look!

Questions for Personal Reflection from Jerry Tankersley

When you watch the evening news, which network do you choose? Is it because of the news content or the channels take on the news? 

Do you have a favorite author who writes with authority for you and whom you trust? Who might that be and what is there about the authority’s voice that draws you?

If you could get a glimpse into the future what would you like to see or to hear?

When you read the Bible do you feel spoken to by a voice of authority? Whose voice is it that speaks through scripture? Is there a central message that you hear from the voice?

Place yourself in the chariot with the Ethiopian in Acts 8:26-40. What did Philip say to him that influenced him to ask for baptism? What was it that opened his mind to the reality of God’s kingdom?

How would you describe the Holy Spirit in relation to the Father, and the Son?

Have you ever felt the presence of the Spirit in your life? Was it a positive feeling or frightening?

What impact did the Holy Spirit have upon God’s mission through the church?

Write your definition of grace.

Prayer of Confession

Holy Spirit of forgiveness, come to us again:

shake our hearts, set our souls on fire with your love.

We hold out to you all our particular burdens of guilt and sin,

and we ask for your help to live the way of your justice and love.