ACTS 4: Find a way to share

Come join this journey as we continue through the Bible and travel with Jesus’ followers through the Book of Acts. It’s an exciting adventure full of twists and turns. We’ll read a chapter a day and I’ll provide a link to the chapter in the NIV(UK) version, but you can read the chapter in whatever version you like. I’ll then share some short reflections, but the important part is the last part: ACTION. Let’s start acting on what we are reading. Join me in one small act inspired each day by the chapter for that day.

Are you up for the challenge?

Then let’s continue!

READ: Acts 4

REFLECTION: I’m not surprised that the spiritual leaders were disturbed when Peter and John start ‘proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.’ It’s not something we know what to do with either. How often have you heard these verses from the Easter story, which take place at the moment Jesus dies, unpicked and explained?

The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.  Matthew 27:51-53

It’s the original zombie story when the walking dead, the undead take to the streets. I have never heard anyone preach on that!

We naturally try to silence what we do not understand. What Peter and John are suggesting subverts the natural order of things. And they need to stop.

But they can’t stop. The good news of Jesus is bursting out of them. ‘As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’

‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.’

That’s the truth of it: salvation is found in no one else. And we all have plenty we need saving from, right? Maybe materialism and greed, fear or anxiety, negative thinking, bitterness and resentment, baggage from the past, addiction, selfishness, the list could go on and on and on and on…

ACTION: Find a way to share

Yesterday, we were challenged to focus in on all that we have to be grateful for. Now out of that great abundance, let us find a way to share today.

All our possessions are not really our own. They come from God. They are not to be clung onto in selfishness and fear, but regarded as resources to share and use for the good of others.

I’m not suggesting you go out and sell your house or your car today (unless that is what God is calling you to!), but find a way to share something you have with someone else today – maybe your money, but maybe time or friendship or hospitality or a helping hand, a meal or a coffee or comfort or your presence.

Find the way that’s right for you and your situation. Listen to God’s prompting.