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
Gathered as Community
Perhaps this text resonates with me a bit differently than others. As a child of the 60s. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and knew well about People’s Park (Berkeley), the “hippie” movement, and communes! The movement was against the status quo rather than in support of the community living presented in Acts.
Suddenly Jesus was gone, and followers gathered in shared grief and uncertainty. Some had followed Jesus for years and others more recently. Was it even possible to move forward without Jesus, or would they go in separate ways? Luke gives us a peek, pulling open the curtain, revealing a community committed to each other and called to share the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Resources were pooled so the needs of each were met and ministry could begin, telling the story of Jesus to those they encountered. Imagine what can be done in our communities when there is shared commitment to tell the story. Inspired and trusting in the Holy Spirit, we can do amazing things.
Prayer
Good and gracious God, you have called us to be in community with one another—to be together. We give thanks for all you have given and may we share our abundance with love. Amen.