Devotion:
Read Acts 2:42-47.
There is so much in these few verses that paint a beautiful picture of how the early followers of Jesus put into practice what he had taught them. The word “devoted” tells you a lot by itself. And to what were they devoted? Learning from the apostles about this way of Christ, fellowship with each other, to receiving the Lord’s meal and to prayer. That one verse is a great snapshot by itself!
They saw God at work in the “wonders and signs” God did through the apostles. They didn’t “explain them away” or ignore them but were in awe of them. There was a sense of unity, hospitality and sharing. They spent a lot of time together. They opened up their homes to each other. And through it all, they were praising God because they knew all of this was a result of what God was doing.
Then we hear the outcome of all of it: “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” That was to be expected! People want to be part of a group that welcomes them, shares with them and helps them connect with the God who gives and sustains life.
Can you imagine what it would be like to live like that today? Oh, we can do more than imagine it. We can go beyond imagining it. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we can paint that same picture!
Personal Worship Option:
One of the most beautiful hymns in our United Methodist Hymnal was written by Fred Kaan in 1974. Here are the words to the first and last verses. Let this be your prayer today.
Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us; teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.
Be present, Lord, among us, and bring us to believe we are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.
Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need, who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and bread,
we need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on; renew us with your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!
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