The readings for Easter 4 are taken from Acts 20:17-35; Revelation 7:9-17; and John 10:22-33.
Today the lessons are still recording the persecution of Christ, His apostles, and everyone who keeps on hearing the voice of Jesus and keeps following the Good Shepherd. Acts records Paul reminding the Ephesians that just as he has been persecuted, so wolves will come to attack them. But the grace of God conveyed in His Word, Sacraments, and nature surrounds us as a fortress to preserve our lives and the joy of God’s redeeming work among us. Therefore, the elders must pay close attention to themselves and to the faithful people to shepherd them in the Word.
In the lesson from Revelation, John wants to know about this great multitude of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language who are clothed in white and hold palm branches in their hands. These “everyday Christians” were also persecuted, but found in the death of their human nature the full redeeming wonder of God’s work. No more hunger or thirst or withering heat but only joy and blessedness in being forever with the Lamb of God, who is also our Great Good Shepherd.
Four weeks into Eastertide the Gospel of John reminds us that the sheep of Jesus keep on hearing His voice, keep on following where He leads, and they shall never perish. As we make our way through Eastertide, the lessons are preparing us for the rest of our lives, where opposition from the devil, world, and our own corrupt human nature will make relentless efforts to take away that life. Eastertide reminds us that the resurrection and rule of Jesus gives us an enduring life, so that every experience in our life raises our appreciation for that life. Hardships press us into the living hope of Jesus and His promises to us. Wonderful, restful, joyous times remind us that God knows how to shepherd us through this world into His everlasting kingdom of grace and love.