Introduction

Since we now know that the early church loved to quote Psalm 110, it is only fitting today to look at Peter’s words as he preaches that Jesus is King. Peter stresses the time has come to repent and be saved.

This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“The Lord said to my Lord,
‘Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. – Acts 2:32-36

Easter is more than baskets, bunnies and going to church. If we lose sight of the awe-inspiring king that Jesus truly is, we miss the point entirely of the day. Yes, he loved us and died for us and was resurrected so that we have eternal life, but Jesus is so much more than even those mind-blowing aspects of the routines of Easter morning church services across America. In this section of Acts, Peter is trying to ignite followers to realize the magnitude of the power of this savior.

We often forget the magnitude of the Jesus we follow at Easter. It reminds me of the scene in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:

“Is—is he a man?” asked Lucy.

“Aslan a man!” said Mr. Beaver sternly. “Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea. Don’t you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion—the lion, the great Lion.”

“Ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thought he was a man. Is he—quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”

“That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”

“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Following Jesus should consist of an awe that causes our knees to knock before Him. We should not forget that He is seated on the throne next to God, that our enemies are His footstool!

Adoration

Great I AM, we humbly come before you in awe today. We worship your holy name. We bow at your feet in reverence for your great power and love! Oh God-You are mighty! Moutains move at the sound of your voice! Land quakes at your direction! Oh how blessed we are to have a King who loves us unconditionally! In Jesus name, Amen.

Confession

“O Father, we are gathered before you, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, whose chosen dwelling place is with the broken and contrite, to confess that we have sinned in thought and word and deed; we have not loved you with all our heart and soul, we have not loved you with all our mind and strength; we have not even loved our neighbor as ourselves. In your mercy, deepen our sorrow for the wrong we have done and for the good we have left undone, so that we may hate our sin with a holy hatred. But, please Father, do not leave us in sorrow. With you, O Lord, there is forgiveness. In your mercy, restore the joy of our salvation; so that we may love you with a holy love. Amen. ” – Missio Dei Confessional.

Thanksgiving

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!  – 1 Psalm 34:3

Father God, Thank you for not ruling with a rod and scepter. Thank you for protecting us and loving us. thank you for sending your son to die for us while we were still sinners and in no way deserved the sacrifice! We love you God. Thank you for allowing us to approach your throne and share our fears and worries to you. Thank you for paving a way for us to have eternal life. Thank you for listening. In Jesus name, Amen.

Supplication

Local Church
Pray that your local church continues to be a light for the community, that the church shares the love of God to the ends of the earth. Pray that the local church becomes a new home for many this Easter Sunday! Pray that those within the church who are sick stay healthy.

Community

Pray for your community, that the lost are found and the found grow closer to the Lord. Pray that kindness between community members reign supreme and that peacemakers step forth to be a light for Christ in the everyday battles of darkness. Pray for finances throughout the community and those that hurt.

World
Pray for the Ukraine/Russia Conflict. Pray for softening of hearts, persevering of the saints, provisions and safety of civilians, God’s glory to be shown throughout the war. Pray that as tensions continue to grow, that communication would strengthen and compromises would be made. Pray that those displaced can return home soon. Pray for the financial consequences of war on society that God continues to meets the needs of His people. Pray for those who are hurting internationally and nationally. Pray for the missionaries carrying out the message of God.