Episode 941
Reimagining Resurrection Power: A Deep Dive into Acts 2:22-36
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
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Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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The profound exploration of resurrection power, as articulated in Acts 2:22-36, is at the heart of our discussion. This passage, as interpreted by Peter, provides an insightful reflection on the intersection of divine purpose and human agency. It is imperative to acknowledge that Peter frames Jesus's death not merely as a tragic event, but as a pivotal moment within a meticulously orchestrated divine plan. Such a perspective invites contemplation on the nature of divine interaction with humanity, suggesting that rather than being mere puppets in a grand narrative, we are active participants in a partnership that seeks transformation and renewal. The notion that God’s engagement with humanity is cooperative rather than controlling opens avenues for deeper theological reflection on the implications of our choices and actions in the world.
Furthermore, the passage extends an invitation to consider liberation from the oppressive forces that pervade our existence. When Peter asserts that death was no match for Jesus, he transcends the literal understanding of resurrection, positing it as a metaphorical triumph over the myriad systems of oppression, injustice, and dehumanization that plague society. This transformative power becomes emblematic of hope—a divine assertion that life can emerge from despair, and that we, too, can partake in this resurrection by actively confronting and dismantling the structures that perpetuate death and suffering in our communities. Through this lens, resurrection symbolizes a call to action, urging us to embody the principles of justice, equity, and compassion in our daily lives.
Lastly, a critical theme emerging from our discourse is the notion of present-tense hope. Peter's reference to 'pitching his tent in the land of hope' emphasizes the importance of grounding our existence in the here and now, rather than deferring our aspirations to a distant future. This framework encourages us to seek joy and fulfillment in our current circumstances, recognizing that the path to life is not merely an escape from earthly trials but an engagement with them through the lens of divine joy. As we contemplate these themes, we are challenged to identify and confront the 'death-dealing systems' within our lives and communities, taking actionable steps towards fostering environments that reflect resurrection living. Our collective journey is thus one of continual renewal, guided by the divine presence that calls us to manifest hope and joy in every aspect of our existence.
Takeaways:
- In considering the divine partnership in human history, we recognize God's involvement amidst human agency.
- The passage emphasizes the liberation from death's power, which can be interpreted metaphorically.
- Hope is presented not merely as future salvation, but as a present and transformative experience.
- We are invited to identify and oppose any systems of oppression that perpetuate cycles of death.
- The reading underscores the significance of resurrection as a divine power against injustice and dehumanization.
- Our prayer reflects the need for guidance in living as resurrection people in our daily lives.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgodddaily.com
Transcript
Reimagining Resurrection Power A reflection of Acts 2:22 36 on the Daily Bible refresh hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the message version Relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
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Speaker A:Here's Today's reading from Acts 2:22 36 reading from the Message Fellow Israelites, listen carefully to these Jesus the Nazarene, a man thoroughly accredited by God to you.
Speaker A:The miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him are common knowledge.
Speaker A:This Jesus, following the deliberate and well thought out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands and was handed over to you.
Speaker A:And you pinned him to a cross and killed him.
Speaker A:But God untied the death ropes and raised him up.
Speaker A:Death was no match for him.
Speaker A:Death David said it all.
Speaker A:I saw God before me for all time.
Speaker A:Nothing can shake me.
Speaker A:He's right by my side.
Speaker A:I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic.
Speaker A:I pitched my tent in the land of hope.
Speaker A:I know you'll never dump me in Hades.
Speaker A:I'll never even smell the stench of death.
Speaker A:You've got my feet on the life path with your face shining sun, joy all around.
Speaker A:Dear friends, let me be completely frank with you.
Speaker A:Our ancestor David is dead and buried.
Speaker A:His tomb is in plain sight today.
Speaker A:But being also a prophet and knowing that God had solemnly sworn that a descendant of his would rule his kingdom seen far ahead, he talked of the resurrection of the Messiah.
Speaker A:No trip to Hades, no stench of death.
Speaker A:This Jesus God raised up and every one of us here is witness to it.
Speaker A:Then raised to the heights at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out the spirit he had just received.
Speaker A:This is what you see and hear.
Speaker A:For David himself did not ascend to heaven, but he did say God said to my Master Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a stool for resting your feet.
Speaker A:All Israel then know this.
Speaker A:There is no longer room for doubt.
Speaker A:God made him master and Messiah.
Speaker A:This Jesus whom you killed on a cross.
Speaker A:That ends the reading.
Speaker A:And this is really where in this passage from Acts, Peter is offering a powerful interpretation of Jesus's death and resurrection which is directed towards the Jewish community.
Speaker A:Let's talk about some some points to ponder.
Speaker A:The first is about the divine partnership in human history.
Speaker A:Peter describes Jesus death as part of a deliberate and well thought out plan of God.
Speaker A:While acknowledging human responsibility, this invites us to consider how the Divine Presence works within, not despite human agency.
Speaker A:Rather than seeing God as a controlling puppet master, we might understand God's divine action as a partnership with humanity in creating transformation.
Speaker A:A second point to ponder is about liberation from death's power.
Speaker A:This passage speaks of death being no match for Jesus.
Speaker A:In progressive theology, this can be understood not just literally, but as a powerful metaphor for liberation from all death dealing systems, things like oppression, injustice and dehumanization.
Speaker A:Resurrection becomes a symbol of divine power breaking cycles of violence and domination.
Speaker A:A third point is present tense hope.
Speaker A:Peter quotes David about pitching his tent in the land of hope.
Speaker A:This present tense language suggests that hope isn't just about future salvation, but about finding life and joy in the here and now.
Speaker A:The life path mentioned isn't an escape route from earth, but a way of living fully present in divine joy.
Speaker A:Here's your reaction Step.
Speaker A:Identify one death dealing system or pattern in our world or in our life or in our community.
Speaker A:It could be an environmental destruction or racism or economic inequality or hurting of minorities or personal patterns that hurts your life.
Speaker A:And take one some concrete step towards resurrection living by actively opposing that system.
Speaker A:This might mean changing some consumption habit of yourself or supporting some justice organization or maybe just breaking some cycle of negative behavior.
Speaker A:In a moment we're going to have a prayer.
Speaker A:Before we do, I just want to share with you that we have a great resource just for you.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:It's here to help you with your daily Bible study.
Speaker A:Let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh you pick it up@voiceofgoddaily.com now let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you're the source of life and liberation.
Speaker A:When we feel trapped in systems of death, remind us of your resurrection power.
Speaker A:When hope seems distant or naive, help us pitch our tents in this territory.
Speaker A:Anyhow, guide us in partnering with you to transform our world here and now.
Speaker A:Show us how, love, how to live as resurrection people, not waiting for a future of salvation, but embodying divine joy.
Speaker A:Today, let your face shine upon us as we walk the path of life, creating hope wherever we go.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
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Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
