Scripture:
Acts 4:32-35 NKJV
[32] Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. [33] And with great power, the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. [34] Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, [35] and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Observation:
I have read this scripture a lot and thought about the impact it would have on our society. The beginning of the Book of Acts is the birth of the church. Peter and John are right at the forefront of it all. After healing a man who was lame from birth being taken to the religious leaders and giving all the credit to the LORD of LORDS and the king of kings, they find themselves with a pretty large following. A group of believers that are willing to give it all for the kingdom. They all came together with all that they owned and put it all on the table. This act allowed the apostles to do what they had been called to do… preach the gospel with Holy Spirit boldness. Looking a little deeper into verse 33, it seems like there are two parts to it. The first part says that they gave great witness to the resurrection of the LORD, and the second part says that great grace was upon them. I think there is a valuable key there, and I don’t want to glance over it. The Death Bureau and Resurrection of Jesus Christ are what exposed how much GOD truly loves mankind and set HIS grace free for all to obtain. Simply by asking the LORD Jesus to forgive you and lead your life. So that was a little sidebar there that had to be said. Now, on to my point. In verses 34 and 35, the plans for building the church came together. Selfless giving. Let’s look at verse 34 which says, “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who possessors of land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of them to the feet of the apostles and they distributed them to each as anyone had need.”
Application:
Imagine a society where all the needs of each person are met. Or, in other words, where we loved our neighbors as we loved ourselves. I want to bring to your attention how Jesus Christ opened the door to people’s hearts. HE saw a need and met it. If you don’t believe me, let’s take a look. Those who came to HIM who were blind received sight those who were lame were healed and able to walk the woman at the well who was searching for love in all the wrong ways. HE loved her without expectation. Those who were hungry HE fed. I could go on, but I believe my point is made. When a community of believers will come together and meet the needs of those who enter into the fold, the door to their heart will be opened. The Bible says let another men praise you and not our own lips. So I want to brag on my wife. GOD knew what HE was doing. I believe HE placed the perfect woman next to me. As most of you know, she works at a soup kitchen. She sees all kinds of people come through there and meets their need for the day with a hot meal. Seeing the need of one young girl, she felt the need to give her phone number to her. Well, yesterday the phone rang it it was this young girl the temperature outside was below freezing and this girl knew the heart of my wife was to help so she called. It was truly a blessing to see my wife’s face light up at the opportunity to meet this girls needs she was cold and needed a way to warm herself. We gathered blanket clothes and some food and proceeded to go meet this young lady. When I heard her say she had not eaten all day. My heart smiled by the Spirit, which led the decision my wife made to stop by Brahms and get a bag of burgers. A need was met, and I believe it will open a door to this young ladies heart. My point is that that kind of love is the kind of love that Jesus showed everyone. HE came in to contact with who had a need. HE never looked at them like… well, I know you’re going to spend this on drugs…. but here. HE just met the need. The Bible says love covers a multitude of sins. Judgment and condemnation just push the sinners just like you and I away from what they need. Another point to make is this when you meet a need, you may not see fruit from it right away, but knowing a seed was planted is the point. Some fruit trees take years before they start to produce. Don’t stop planting because you don’t see results right away. Just meet the needs and let GOD bring the increase. My challenge to you is this. Show the love of GOD to someone today. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Feed someone clothe someone give without expectations love with no boundaries. Let the light of Jesus shine through you. HIS love will open the door to their heart.
Prayer:
Father, we want to be used by you. We know that you have made everyone who is on the face of the earth and our job is to love them the way that you would. Sometimes, that can be hard. Everything we have you gave to us, so we want to use it for your kingdom. Show us how to meet the many needs we see. Show us how to love our neighbors as ourselves. I know that I do not want to go hungry. So help me to feed the hungry. Help me to meet the needs I see to the very best of my ability. We want you to rebuke the devourer in the lives of those he has lied to. we know you love a cheerful giver, so help us to expect nothing in return… just giving to meet a need and open the door to a heart so the you can start a mighty work in them. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.