The Fellowship of the Believers
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Acts 2:42-47
42. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43. And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; 45. and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. 46. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, 47. praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
This scripture expresses a world that I have always longed for, but have believed to be unrealistic and too idealistic to be practicable. But this morning I understand these words in a different way! The early church was vital and full of energy and the joy of the newly converted was contagious and exciting. The energy was almost tangible and others, outsiders, were drawn to this joyful, generous, loving community. Once they were drawn in, the “work” began! When you really want something, the sales job is much easier! That’s really sacrilegious! I hope no one is offended by that secular analogy! But truly, who wouldn’t want to be part of community where no one was in spiritual or physical need. Everyone helped everyone else. Everyone made sure that no one went without. And everyone preached the Word to anyone who would listen.
This, to me, is the model for how a church should and could be. We must be inviting and warm and we must exude the joy and energy of our salvation! Once people are drawn in, we can start preaching the word to them—as the reason for our joy and warmth and love – and the source of it. But also we can and should model our individual lives this way. When we see someone in need, we should do what we can to meet their need – either by ourselves, with the help of our friends, or with helpful advice and direction to others who are able to help. It means giving a few dollars to the woman or man on the street corner; and donating food to the food bank; and doing mission work; and even just being kind and loving to our families and our neighbors and to everyone we meet.
That’s a tall order! But it is what Christ expects of us. These words weave together the model for us to follow. Their regular practices: they met regularly, praising God, and breaking bread (communion) and shared everything so that no one was in need. They drew each other in, and they drew in all on the fringes, and then they reached out beyond their comfortable community and preached the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who would listen. And everyone, absolutely everyone wanted what they had. Everyone, absolutely everyone wanted their joy, their peace, their love.
I hope you spend your day devoting yourself to the apostles’ teaching, praising God and having favor with everyone you meet.
Mary
