Acts 4:32-35 (NRSV)
Read Acts 4:32-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 32Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. Verse 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Verse 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. Verse 35They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Devotion
In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge peeks into the lives of the Cratchett family and is amazed by the joy he witnesses, despite the family’s great poverty. The Ghost of Christmas Present responds to Scrooge saying simply, “They have enough.” In a recent production of this play, the actor portraying the Ghost then turns directly to the audience and says, “It’s a wonderful word: enough.”
In the resurrection of Jesus there is enough for all. When death and fear no longer control us, we need not worry about how much we have (like Scrooge) and can instead share what we have been given (like the Cratchetts). Though it may seem strange to those “peeking in,” the abundance of Jesus’ love fills us to overflowing, until there is no longer a needy person among us.
Prayer
Risen Jesus, in your resurrection there is enough for all. Fill us up with your joy and love so that we cannot help but share it with those around us. Amen