Acts 7. 54-60

Psalm 27.1, 3-5

1 John 2.28- 3.3

John 17. 11- 19

 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On this sixth Sunday after Easter, we gather to reflect upon the profound truth that the ascended Lord upholds those who are united to Him by faith. As we delve into the Scriptures, let us explore the significance of unity in our faith and the assurance we have in Christ’s sustaining power.

The Faithful Witness of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60)

In the book of Acts, we encounter the powerful testimony of Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Despite facing opposition and persecution, Stephen remained steadfast in his faith, even unto death. As he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, Stephen declared, “Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Stephen’s unwavering faith and commitment to Christ serve as a powerful example of the strength and assurance we find in our union with the ascended Lord. Consider the image of a mighty oak tree, firmly rooted in the ground and standing tall amidst the fiercest storms. Like Stephen, may we be deeply rooted in our faith in Christ, standing firm in the face of adversity and persecution.

The Source of Our Strength (Psalm 27:1, 3-5)

In Psalm 27, David declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” These words resonate with the assurance we have in our union with Christ, who is our light, our salvation, and our stronghold. In times of trouble and uncertainty, we can take refuge in the presence of the Lord, knowing that He upholds us with His righteous right hand. As David writes, “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” Our confidence and strength come from our union with the ascended Lord, who reigns victorious over every trial and tribulation. Imagine a lighthouse shining brightly amidst the darkness, guiding ships safely to shore. Similarly, Christ is the light that illuminates our path and leads us through the storms of life to the safety of His eternal embrace.

The Hope of His Coming (1 John 2:28-3:3)

In his epistle, John reminds us of the hope we have as children of God, united to Christ by faith. He writes, “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.” Our union with Christ not only sustains us in the present but also fills us with hope for the future. As we eagerly await His glorious return, we are reminded of our identity as beloved children of God, destined to be transformed into His likeness. Think of a caterpillar undergoing metamorphosis, emerging from its cocoon as a beautiful butterfly. Likewise, our union with Christ transforms us from glory to glory, as we become more and more like Him in character and conduct.

Prayer for Unity (John 17:11-19)

In John 17, we find Jesus’ prayer for His disciples before His crucifixion. He prays for their unity, saying, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.” Jesus’ prayer underscores the importance of unity among believers, rooted in our common faith in Him. Our union with Christ binds us together as members of His body, the Church, and empowers us to love one another as He has loved us. Consider a beautiful tapestry woven together from threads of different colors and textures, each contributing to the beauty of the whole. Similarly, our unity in Christ creates a vibrant and diverse community, reflecting the richness of God’s grace and love. Dear friends, as we reflect on the truth that the ascended Lord upholds those who are united to Him by faith, may we be encouraged and strengthened in our journey of faith. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ, drawing strength from our union with Him and from the fellowship of believers. As we go forth from this place, may we walk in the assurance of His presence, confident that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Concluding Prayer:

Gracious God,

We thank You for the assurance we have in our union with Christ, who upholds us with His righteous right hand. As we face the challenges of life, may we be strengthened by Your Spirit and united in faith, trusting in Your unfailing love and abiding presence. Grant us the grace to love one another as You have loved us, that Your name may be glorified in all the earth. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our ascended Lord and Saviour.

Amen.