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
Our devotional reflections this week will focus on the ways our God enriches our lives as we are willing to follow God’s leading.
This idyllic scene in Acts 2 full of signs and wonders, and a congregation full of glad and generous hearts may seem too good to be true. It is the scene of imperfect people whose hearts and lives have been changed by God’s baptismal promise, “You are a child of God, sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever,” and who now live daily in grace and forgiveness as beloved children of God. Such signs and wonders are being done daily all over the world by those who are moved to share their possessions and goods with those who have need. Glad and generous hearts praise God daily in worship and the breaking of bread and prayers. This is the work of God who perfectly loves and forgives imperfect people. Such devotion is an invitation to taste and see the goodness of God.
Prayer
Gracious God, move through our hearts that we may better devote ourselves to follow your loving ways of living in this world. Amen.