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May 27, 2010 Read: All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47 Think About: Sell everything. Communal living. From each according to ability, to each according to need. Seriously, it is hard to believe that this could work. Certainly, the believers spent their time in prayer, in fellowship, making sure that no one was in need. That is the work that all amazing powerful persons do in response to the touch of the Holy Spirit. But, the reading does not call attention to the fact that these believers probably did not just pray and spend time in the temple. These were real human beings, with real families and real responsibilities. Even set on fire by the spirit, everyone also had to do all the day-to-day tasks we all face. We store up treasures (today we call we call our treasures home equity, lines of credit and retirement accounts) thinking we have security, and then an earthquake or flood – or rioting in another country over its economy - takes them all away in an instant. Jacob when he finally had to wrestle with the truth and find his essential "me" sent his treasures away. Possessions did not give answers or true security. What the people in the Acts 2 community described in today's reading DID have is something we ALL may have. A glad and generous heart! And lived as we ALL may live. Praising God! Being people of joy! Living in trust brings holy security. Maybe, we could look at our wealth and possessions in a new light too. Maybe, just maybe, our "things" could be spiritual gifts too. Yes we have to take care of our families and save for trouble - but also maybe we should look a little closer to where we could do just a little bit more. And let God keep adding to the number of people of joy! Pray this Prayer: Oh holy and sacred, make in me a glad and generous heart. Help me see where even a small additional gift makes a world of difference. Amen. You are invited and encouraged to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with the spiritual practices at the Devotional Blog. We are on this journey together and your words may help another along the way. Having problems viewing this page? Click here to view it online. Click here to be removed from the Daily Devotions © 2010 St. Luke's United Methodist Church at Windermere |
