February 6, 2002
Commune or Common?
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2: 44-47
Once again, I have puzzled over this and wondered exactly what this passage meant. I do see a few things here that should give us clues as to what the Lord desires from us. First, this passage does not say they all lived together. This passage does not say they did not own things or have homes. This passage does say that whenever a believer had a need, everyone saw that need was met. Wait! What of those who have money and yet there are believers in their church or in their community that go to bed hungry, cold, no heat, no electricity, no water, and such things as that? I would say that is NOT pleasing unto the Lord. When a believer has a need, the other believers should pitch in and see that need is met. At this point in time, the believers were so overjoyed to be able to know this Jesus, they met every night for worship. They ate together, they prayed together, the laughed together, they cried together. They had sincere hearts. Now, today, our world is busy and I know that you cannot meet with every other believer in your whole area every night. Or could you? What place does the Lord and worship have in your life? Do you take time every day to give glory and honor to his name? How long has it been since you broke bread and at with other believers in your own home? How long has it been since you reached out to those around you in need? How long has it been since you ceased to see those that were cold, hungry and naked? How long has it been since you opened your door to someone who the world might not want around? What sacrifice is it that the Lord truly desires of his people? Isaiah 58 makes it pretty clear. Look at the things above that the church did. That is the fast the Lord longs for. We must NOT grow weary of doing these things. We must not decide that we have no time for worship. If we truly long to see the glory of the Lord, we must be sure to keep our lives pure and holy, a sacrifice to the Living God.
Father, in Jesus name I long to be a part of the body of believers that practices what your word says. Lord , I know that your Spirit would not be hindered if we were just willing to do what your word says to loose Him to work to His fullest. Father, In Jesus name let us learn to break bread together in the way that you intend for us to. Lord let us realize that in your time, every day is the Sabbath for you have made them all. Let us keep them each pure and holy for you. Lord, I long to see numbers added each day, but more than that, I long to see an outpouring of your Spirit upon those who are willing and ready to mature in their walk with you. Lord, in Jesus name grow us up! We no longer want to hinder your work. In Jesus name you teach us what it means to be the body of Christ, amen!
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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