CORINTH

-Sermon Notes-

April 19, 2026

 

“Hope at Shawshank”

(Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19, Acts 2:14, 36-41, Luke 24:13-35)

     Ever seen the movie “Shawshank Redemption?”  The film features two men who have very different opinions regarding the topic of hope.  Andy offers these words to his pessimistic friend Red: “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things.”  Our scripture readings today offer visions of hope.

     Our psalm today is a “Hellel” psalm, Hellel meaning hallelujah.  This psalm celebrates the Israelites delivery from slavery in Egypt.  The psalmist wrote these words years after this key event to remind those experiencing discouragement of God’s faithfulness in the past.  The psalmist points to this experience of deliverance as evidence of God’s presence and accompaniment.  Because of this story being retold to the descendants of those delivered from Egypt, they were able to embrace hope no matter their trying circumstances.

     From Acts, we find a short segment from a fairly long speech (or sermon?) from Peter.  In these words we find Peter explaining, or coming to the defense of their faith.  In doing so, he points to these three issues: 1) Their recent Pentecost experience (a dramatic display of the power of the Holy Spirit) had been foretold by the prophets, and was a fulfillment of scripture; 2) Recent events around Jesus (teachings, miracles, death and resurrection) was also a fulfillment of prophecy; 3) Peter implored people to repent, and be baptized.  At the conclusion of Peter’s sermon, according to today’s reading from Acts, 3000 people came forward to commit their lives to Jesus. Why?  I propose at least one of the reasons for such a response was because the disciples pointed to the hope which comes in relationship with Jesus Christ.

     Our Luke passage features some mystery: two disciples were walking from Jerusalem, remarking to each other about the incredible events that had just transpired (the crucifixion/resurrection of Jesus.)  Along comes Jesus, whose identity is kept from them.  When Jesus asked them what they were talking about, they replied (paraphrasing) “Are you kidding me?  Haven’t you heard of these dramatic happenings?  Included in their response to them are the words: “We had hoped…” as in, we had hoped this Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, but alas, he was put to death, so our hopes are dashed. Jesus’ responded by opening their understanding of the scriptures related to the Messiah, then opened their eyes as to his identity.

     We are living through difficult times, friends.  And yet, the scriptures remind us that we are able to embrace HOPE.  As followers of Jesus, we are people of hope, ready to speaks words of encouragement and hope to those around us.  Like Andy from Shawshank Redemption offers:  “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things.”  Amen to that!