Acts 2:45 “All the believers were together and had everything in common, selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” This is what Jesus was talking about (I think) when He told the parable of how the Kingdom of God is like a hidden treasure – the man sells everything he has to obtain it. These first Christians really believe that the Kingdom of God was so important and valuable that they sold everything in order to be a part of it.

I suppose it helped that they actually expected Jesus to return any day to take them to Heaven (meaning they had no need to hold on to their material belongings). They had no precedent like we do today that Jesus might not not have meant literal 24 hour days when he said he would be back any day…making it (a little) easier to have that kind of faith.

Acts 2:46 “Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. They broke bread (communion?) in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily.”

This is great! This is a glimpse of Heaven. People so overwhelmed with the love and grace and forgiveness of God and the freedom in Christ, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit that they are filled with joy (and love and peace and patience and kindness, etc.) to the point of abandoning all else, including their earthly possessions.

And the result of this reckless, Spirit-filled abandon is continued joy. They didn’t have all the functions of the church figured out or the organizational structure running smoothly. Things were probably pretty messy but that didn’t matter – their sense of excitement and adventure and joy overflowed and poured out on others around them: “they gave to anyone as he had need” and they enjoyed “the favor of all the people”!

Everyone who saw them or knew them loved these crazy new Christians. And it was contagious! “The Lord added to their number daily.”

Lord, what would I give to be a part of this community? Where people are so on fire for You and filled with love and joy and peace and patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Where they live fearlessly and courageously for Christ, and are being used to spread the good news to those around them. I want it, but really…what would I give? Would I sell everything I have? And give to anyone who has need? Would I abandon the lifestyle I’ve become accustomed to and FULLY trust in God to provide? I haven’t done it yet…I don’t think I have that level of faith. Maybe if there was a Peter, and a John, and other disciples leading the way; then maybe I would follow. Maybe. Just don’t ask me to be a Peter, or a John and take the first leap.

Lord, I do have faith! Help my lack of faith!