Acts 4:32-35 (NRSV)
Read Acts 4:32-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 32Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. Verse 33With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Verse 34There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. Verse 35They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
Devotion
What a perfect vision of Christ’s Body we see in these words that describe the early church: The "whole" group was united, "none" were needy; and, "no one claimed private ownership of any possessions." It leaves us ordinary mortals shaking our heads in wonder, especially knowing that a passionate "Mine!" was one of the first words we spoke as infants and continues to be one of our favorite words as adults.
Such self-centeredness is no surprise, living as we do in a commercial environment that assaults us with sensual appeals. Yet there is good news for us. In fact, a much more important Word has been and continues to be spoken by the Lord when he says: "This is my body and blood, given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." This Word sets us free to trust that the Spirit is working and empowering us to be the Body of Christ.
Prayer
Forgiving Lord, we are cut to the quick when we compare the reality of our lives to the beauty of your vision. We ask you to remove our fears, release our grasp on worldly things and help us cling, instead, to the great gift of grace that is ours in Christ. Amen.