Reading scriptures –
Acts 4:32-37
Joseph. . . He sold one of his fields and brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.
— Acts 4:36-37
When you see someone who has met Jesus and who is changing to live more and more like Jesus, you know something new is happening. This means that Jesus is alive in them and the resurrection has really happened!
We look at some examples in today’s lesson. As we saw in Acts 2:41-47 (April 14), we see early Christians united with one another, sharing with one another and giving generously to support one another. Some even sold their land or homes and gave the money “to anyone in need.”
One example mentions Joseph, a Jewish man from Cyprus who is now a believer in Jesus Christ. His actions clearly indicate that his life has changed. He sold some of his property, and he gave the money to be used to build a community of believers in Christ. Joseph’s generosity shows that the generous Lord Jesus is living in his heart. In this picture of Joseph we see a new creation, evidence of the risen Christ.
The life and power of the risen Jesus continues to change us today. The living Jesus finds his way into human lives, takes on a transformative presence within them, and they become new creations. They also become signs that God’s big, new creation is coming to life.
Father, turn us broken people into signs of Jesus’ resurrection, proof that a new creation is coming. Break down all the ways in which we still reflect anything unrelated to Jesus. We pray in his name. Amen.
Author: Dave Den Haan
