Acts 2: 42-47 (NRSV)
Read Acts 2: 42-47 on biblegateway.com
Verse 42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Verse 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. Verse 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; Verse 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Verse 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, Verse 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Devotion
I was at a meeting recently of people from many nations. They talked of the need to create community in the Christian Church. They were asking, "How can we better develop a sense of belonging?" A man from India said, "You don't create community, you simply participate in it. It is already here, so simply receive it as a gift."
The early believers knew this gift. Huddled together like a flock of sheep, those early followers of Christ watched and waited and prayed for the return of their shepherd. They visited the temple and vowed to stay together, even to the point of sharing all they had. If one was in need they met that need. No one was a stranger. They knew that this community was simply a gift and along with it they were receiving "the Apostles teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers." The gift was and is there and it is and was received as grace poured out on them over and over. It is for us, too, "life among the believers."
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to recognize and receive your wonderful gifts when we gather as your church. Open us to the wonderful song of Jesus called hospitality where we are welcomed just as we are and where we welcome everyone else just as they are. Let us live out that welcome of Jesus with all we meet this day. Amen.