O.P.---------- April 12, 2010

O.P.



April 12, 2010


Text- Acts 2:42-47

42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.



Today’s Comments

There is so much need in the world. Nations are struggling. We have people living in absolute uncertainty. Just tick off in your head people in your life who are facing hardship and struggle.

What strikes me about this “summary passage” (Luke likes to write about what “typically happened in the early Christian community) is that they had a dislike of having “people in need”. Therefore, when one in their midst had a need, they made sure it was taken care of. It was not sufficient for one person to have their needs met. They insisted that all people were cared for.

When I was a kid, a very cool brand was OP which stood for Ocean Pacific. I have no idea if the brand still is in existence but the early church had an OP mentality- meaning, “other people” mattered. The other was worthy of consideration. The other was worthy of being built up. The other was worthy of being offered tangible care.

Yet, even as we say this- the people in the early church must have recognized that as they cared for others, the other would always be looking out for them.

I see this as a great ideal to aim for. The more we can become people to look outward and care for the “other”, there is no doubt that the God of abundance will ensure that we are cared for.