Slices
Prepare
Take a moment to listen to the rhythms of your breath, in and out. Feel your heart beating and be aware of the sights, smells and sounds around you. Remember you are held by God’s love.
Bible passage
22 ‘Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him:
‘“I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Explore
Winston Churchill is alleged to have said, ‘I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.’ It’s a quote whose ready wit brings a smile to my face and yet it masks a real fear. Across the ages, people of all cultures and faith have been vexed about the meaning of life and death, especially the finality of death and our fragile mortality. While the religious mind looks for hope beyond the grave, many others seek consolation in living intentionally in the present moment. Death makes us uncomfortable.
Peter’s short sermon on the day of Pentecost (only 22 verses) asserts the death of death in the death of Christ. Death itself has been vanquished in the resurrection. It’s a note of triumph heard loudly in Paul’s writings: ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ (1 Corinthians 15:55). God’s action in raising Jesus from the dead is good news for all humanity. Death no longer has the last laugh.
Respond
Find some stillness and listen once again to your breathing. You are mortal but held by One who is victorious over death, the grave and fear itself.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Samuel 23,24; 1 Corinthians 10
Are you a Mission Enabler?
We're looking for the right person to take on the role of Mission Enabler in Greater London, supporting churches in their outreach to children and young people.
If you've got the skills to identify and build relationships with churches wanting support and have what it takes to help them successfully implement the Revealing Jesus mission framework through coaching and modelling best practices, then we'd love to hear from you! Find out more about the role here.
If this doesn't sound like you but you know someone who might be interested, please share this role with them. Thank you!
The closing date for applications is Noon on 23rd May 2024.
Pray for Scripture Union
Mission Partner Christians 4 Education in North Wales would love to see ‘every school in our area a prayed for school’ and, where possible, each local church sharing the good news of Jesus with a school. Join them in praying as they work towards this goal.
