We Go Togetherናሙና

Together

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, His friends were so compelled by what they’d seen and heard that they began to live differently, and people flocked to it because it was different and refreshing. What was it about this new community that caused people to want to be a part of it? It was radical friendship, mutual flourishing, and courageous faith.

In fact, at the end of the story we have been studying this week, we read that the people there were surprised and gave thanks to God, saying, “We have seen very special things today.” The crowd saw the determination of the friends. Jesus honored the friends’ faith and healed the paralyzed man.

Most “evangelism” in the early church was friendship, conversation, and people living in different and compelling ways. Following Jesus encouraged the believers to think less about their differences and more about their commonalities. Their example of human flourishing compelled people. It stood out; it was distinctive. The Book of Acts portrays what it looked like in practice.

It wasn’t fancy or showy; they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread 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 those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47, NIV)

Can you imagine how powerful it would be if we were to embrace this model and become countercultural communities of friendship and flourishing?

Consider This…

What about your life is distinctive? What compels others to ask about your relationship with Jesus?

What do you need to do to devote yourself to those in your community?

Together…

May we find boldness in our purpose and comfort in being known. May we find ease in dealing with people who would typically annoy or offend us. May we find ourselves at home in any room we enter. And may we say yes to the new things God wants to do in our life.

May we go all-in on friendship and find sisters who will help us tear the roof off to get to Jesus. May we witness remarkable things as women get healed. And may the Lord add to our number daily those who are being saved. Amen, let it be so.