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
Luke tells us that in testimony to Jesus’ resurrection early Christians shared everything they owned in common. In Easter season’s fifty days we too might think about the sustainers of life we hold in common with all of humanity—the air we breathe, water, the earth that provides food and home. Many of us have much more than enough. So much so that in the United States more than eighty million tons of food and sixteen million tons of textiles are wasted every year. We could contribute to sharing what we hold in common by purchasing and consuming only what we need so that others can have enough. We share when we care for creation, working for clean air and water along with practicing good stewardship of the earth so that it remains productive. Being mindful of sharing these common gifts of life we are giving testimony to Jesus’ resurrection in this Easter season.
Prayer
God of life, let us give witness to Jesus’ resurrection in all that we do to share with others. Guide us as we make choices about how we use the resources you so generously provide for us. Amen.