Scripture:
Acts 4:32-37 ESV
[32] Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. [33] And with great power, the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. [34] There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold [35] and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. [36] Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, [37] sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Observation:
I woke up this morning with an overwhelming feeling that I needed to write about community. As I looked through my bible, I remembered what the early church looked like in the Book of Acts. The upper room experience they had and how that must have looked. Here in chapter acts chapter 4, we come across the description or the layout of how a community should operate. In verse 32, we see that they were all in one accord… they were praying for the same things… their hearts seemed to be connected. Operating as a cohesive unit. A well-oiled machine. No one was selfish or self-centered. They had made a decision that everyone would just combine all their stuff and distribute it according to the needs of the people. The apostles would teach about Jesus and his resurrection with great authority and power. The grace of GOD was heavy among them. What that says to me is no one was getting mad about stupid little things because they knew GOD’S love was real. They sold all their property, gave all the money to the apostles, and lived together under one roof. No one among them needed anything. GOD had created not just a body of believers, but it seemed HE had built a family. At the end of this group of scripture, we see one man mentioned specifically Joseph, who was also called Barnabas. As we read, this nickname meant that he was the one who would encourage those around him. A seemingly selfless man who was always in your corner. He sold everything he had and gave the proceeds to the apostles to use for the community.
Application:
I have often thought about what the world would be like if everyone had this mindset. It wouldn’t necessarily be about loving your neighbor as you loved yourself because we would all be family. There would be no homeless, no hungry, or orphans. The widows would have their lawns mowed, and love would be abounding in great measure. It seems like that’s really how GOD wants it to be. Think about it. If we were able to love them like Jesus loves us… who has come to the front of your mind that you would have to forgive? What needs do you see that you could meet just by getting rid of something you haven’t even used in a year? How much do you have that you don’t truly need? The question comes down to whether we truly love our neighbors the way we love ourselves. I think about the church community as well… and you have to know I’m not talking about a building with a cross on it. I’m talking about a body of believers who call themselves followers of Jesus Christ. All the labels over the doors keep us divided and fighting over stuff that doesn’t matter. What would happen if every church in Ada Oklahoma would take the label down and join hearts with one accord? Meeting the needs of the community. Getting rid of the fancy cars and the high-dollar clothes and using their means to provide for those sleeping in tents by the train tracks. If we were to truly live by GOD’S intended design and form communities that just loved their neighbors, we could change the world. I’m telling you love is the key that opens up the blessings of GOD. I think one of the key phrases in today’s is… ” Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul.” That heart was seen in the verses that followed that statement. Selfless. My point is this it’s not about you…it’s not about me…IT’S ABOUT US…our community what are the needs. I’m sure you can look around on your drive to work and see a need that needs to be met. Find a way to meet it. You have the means, and if you don’t ask the Father, HE will show you how or provide a way. The point is love is the answer. I don’t want to be hungry…so if I see someone and they are hungry and I have the means, I should feed them. Our community is our mission field. Our restrictions are what we are unwilling to let go of… or what we limit GOD to.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you have a plan for success. A plan that is overshadowed by love. A love that is far from selfish. Help us to be the kind of people who will see a need and do something about it. A family that reaches beyond a biological connection into a connection made from the blood of Jesus and its in HIS mighty name I pray amen