The Christian kerygma, which we proclaim during this Easter and beyond, is powerful! It is when we proclaim that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and is alive! The apostles proclaimed it; so, we continue to announce today that Jesus Christ is alive!
To the Christian, the kerygma is an experience. That means we hear it, feel it, receive it, act on it, and then articulate it boldly as Petr and John said:
It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.
Peter and John boldly articulated that Christ lives, leading the chief priests and the elders to recognize and admit instantly, 'Ah, these two men have been with that Jesus!
These men’s companionship with Jesus enlightened them through the Holy Spirit with living knowledge of him and dispelled the fear of men from them. True friendship with Jesus results in our becoming Christ-like to others. All these must come together to make the kerygma impact our personal lives and the lives of others.
Diminishing or devaluing our personal and Christian life struggles is not the point of the message here. No! Instead, it augments that truth that fruitful direction for facing Christian struggles essentially lies in keeping ourselves in continual touch with Jesus Christ so that we may receive transformation from him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving the first disciples courage to defend the kerygma from being suppressed as an example for us. Lead us to become increasing determined to follow you and stand for Christ and our faith against all forms of persecution. Amen