The Unity of Believers
Now the company of those who believed were of one heart and soul. (Acts 4:32)
Acts 4:31-35 and 1:14; Isa. 52:8; John 17:22-23; Rom. 12:5; Eph. 4:13
What Is God Saying?
The way Peter healed the man at the gate (see March 21) continued to get attention, so much so that the rulers and elders who wanted Peter and John off the streets and out of their way didn't dare to do more than slap their wrists. The preaching grew bolder, and a greater power grew stronger, "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 4:31). The result was unity. Those who believed were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).
Their new sense of unity manifested itself in practical ways. They shared what they had. They sold their property and gave the proceeds to those who had need (Acts 4:35). At that moment, the early church gave priority to the needs of others. Greed was unthinkable. It was a foretaste of Heaven. Great prayer and faithful preaching brought unity, and unity brought caring and willing sharing.
How Does This Apply To Us?
There was a reason behind their sacrifice and sharing. It was the fact and the power of the resurrection, "And with great power, the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33). Faith founded on the reality of a living Christ is powerful enough to bring unity in prayer, boldness in preaching, and the kind of care that is not at rest when others are in need. We pray to be one with all who call upon the name of Jesus. We want to be a part of the living unity of Christ's body. Belief in the resurrection is the source of great grace for the suffering of a lost and divided world and a fragmented church.
Pray With Me
O Lord, in whom is all our hope and our only hope for unity, give me a deep desire to be one heart and soul with all believers. Help me to call upon Your name by not always insisting that things be done in my way, to suit my convenience, or to feed my pride. Help me to hold my ground when Your Spirit directs me to do so. Help me call every dream, desire, plan, or ambition false that feeds on hate and causes suffering and harm. Deliver us from lies that divide us. Let each of us bring our gifts as varied and beautiful as spring colors. Bind us together in deed and truth.
In the name of Him who makes and keeps us one in the hope of our calling and in the strength of His love. Amen.
Moving On In The Life Of Prayer
The prayer of believers should touch upon the needs of other believers and concentrate on those who are oppressed, suffering, and in need. The prayer of believers does not seek a compromise but does seek understanding. The prayer of believers hungers for the blessed hope of the church, Jesus' return.
