Acts 4: 32 “The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. 33 With great power, the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all.
34 There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
We haven’t forgotten Peter; he is about to appear in one of the most dramatic incidents that took place in the early church. But today we are setting the stage. Right now throughout the world, people are in want. The COVID – 19 pandemic has already caused the failure of many businesses and nobody knows what things will look like once the threat lifts.
In this setting, the poor and disadvantaged are suffering more than anyone else, as they always do. And the question that comes is this: how far are we willing to go to help others? While we are sheltering in place, are we becoming increasingly selfish and self – centered?
This story mentions Joseph, hereafter always known as Barnabas, “Son of Encouragement.” While Joseph owned a field, there were probably others far more humble whose contributions were far less impressive. Even these humble people were willing to share the little that they had so that others would be sustained. And God, who sees everything, saw and blessed these people so that there were no needy among them and so that “abundant grace was upon them all. “
Who among us truly knows what we will need tomorrow? Tomorrow might bring untold blessings or it might bring unexpected financial demands. But God sees and God knows. If we will follow the example of the early Christians and share what we have, God will ensure that His abundant grace will be with us.
PRAYER: Father God, many of us are fearful! We are shut in, some of us with dwindling incomes and no end to this crisis in sight. Lord, help us to listen to You and not to our fears. Help us to respond if You bring someone to us who needs our help. And than You that Your grace is always abundant! In the mighty and matchless Name of Jesus. Amen.
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