Acts 2:42-47
Verse 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Another of the signs of revival is the how the hearts of those revived are turned towards others over themselves. The people in the early Church stopped thinking about amassing more for themselves and looked around to see who needed their help. This wasn’t some form of a welfare program. Nor was it about helping everyone everywhere. This verse is talking more about how those in the Church were helping other believers who were struggling.
Though we aren’t to ignore those who need help outside the Church, the believers in the early days of the church understood how it was important to care for each other, especially as those in the world were starting to persecute them in ways which would be hindering their livelihoods. God was showing them how they would survive as a community by helping each other.
The selling of property was a big deal to a Jewish person whose land had been in the family for generations back to the time of entering the Promised Land. It would be like a family selling off their centennial farm so they could give the money to a poor family member. It wasn’t something to do without much thought and prayer.
The truth is, the bond of love between these people was so strong they did feel like a family and therefore wanted to make sure they were caring for each other. And it wasn’t all about the money. In fact, it was all about the relationships. They wouldn’t have known about the needs of others if they weren’t being vulnerable with each other. Only by being really involved in the lives of one another could they truly help others.
This is another thing the world will notice is different with God’s people and cause them to want to know about Him. Society is willing to give their small change to help some program deal with those who are less fortunate. They feel good about helping and don’t have to feel uncomfortable with actually seeing the problems the people are dealing with. As Christians we should want to be making the relationship. Jesus didn’t just give the solution, He made Himself the solution. We should do the same.
Making It Personal
Has anyone ever helped you with a need? How aware are you of other people’s needs? Who can you help this week?
Making It Personal Kids
Has anyone ever helped you with something? Do you pay attention to when someone needs your help? Who do you think you could help today?
Closing Prayer
Father, we repent of our selfishness which keeps our eyes on self rather than others. Give us eyes to see and hearts which want to care for the needs of our brothers and sisters in the Church. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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