David Bahn – Reflections

Acts 4:32-27

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet,and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Please Note: We  purchased this video for use at St. John. So while this link is to the “Preview Only” version we actually do have the rights to show the video. I was unable to upload it, however, and chose to insert this preview version.

Whether it’s the fight against AIDS, breast cancer, human trafficking, or bullying, causes come and go. For a time they hit the center stage of world concern. Hollywood makes movies about the issue. Books are written. Charities and foundations are set up. But todays cause celebre is tomorrow’s old news. We are too quickly distracted from one good care to another crisis.

That isn’t the case with the newly-forming church. Luke tells us about the life of the early Christians, and to some extent it looks like a time of exceptional interest with all the makings of the latest craze. People are united and graciously concerned about one another. A strong witness to the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection was the centerpiece of the apostles’ preaching. People were being extraordinarily generous with their lives and money. Surely this would fade away. This is just the overly-excited eagerness of a bunch of new converts.

Or maybe not. Throughout its history the Church has had its share of controversy. But those sad and distressing moments are the exception not the rule. We may not think we will ever do it as well as the Early Church, but take a look ahead and you will see that corruption and deception is nothing new. And though in fact the church is a hospital for sinners, it is a place where sharing, love, understanding, compassion, support, charity, generosity and love are held up as goals and aspirations for us all.

Perhaps we need to take a look at the behavior of these early Christians to see what of our first love we have lost. Maybe there is a wake-up call for us to answer in regard to our lives under Christ. But this life of love, grace, generosity, and conviction is no passing fad. These have been the marks of God’s people for 2000 years. Inspired by Christ himself, assured as blessed by his resurrection, these good works are the beautiful adornment of lives forgiven and hearts changed by the grace of God in Jesus. Is there a place where that grace needs to shine through in your life today?