Acts 2:43-47
And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:43-47 (RSV)
Once upon a time there was a tiny little godly Norwegian Church in a tiny little Texas town. A tiny little group of like minded folks were together and happy and joyful. Their tiny little world revolved around the tiny little church. These tiny folks took care of their tiny little friends with care and love. They shared tiny little potluck dinners in community with one another. The tiny little church grew in number as more Norwegian babies were born and other tiny folk came from across the big wide ocean and moved into the tiny little town. All was well and happy and “Norwegian.” The tiny little church prospered so much that it needed to build a “not” so tiny new church to hold all the folks in the tiny community. The new “not” so tiny church was filled with God and many more Norwegian folk. It was a happy place. The tiny people shared what they had with all who were in need. They praised God and God was pleased.
Then more folk moved into the tiny little town. These God fearing folk were from other far off lands and did not speak Norwegian. So the tiny little church opened its “not” so tiny doors and welcomed (with much discussion and angst) the people from other far off lands. That would mean they must change the worship service to a universal language like English (with much discussion and angst) and it was accomplished. All was well and God was pleased with the welcoming of other folk in the “not” so tiny little church.
Many, many years went by, and there was a need for a new Pastor for the “not” so tiny little church. The congregation decided it might be ok to not have a Norwegian Pastor, as had always been. This time a tiny little German Pastor was called to lead the “not” so tiny little church. The “not” so tiny little church had more people joining their numbers day by day and all was happy and good. As time went on, a tiny little Mexican American family moved into the tiny little town and were looking for a church family. With much discussion and angst, the family was welcomed. On the Baptism day of their tiny little daughter (4 years old), she boldly announced to all in the “not” so tiny congregation, that she was “so happy to finally be a Norwegian”!!!! (a very true little story) They praised God and all was well and happy and good and God was pleased.
The Apostles in today's reading were gathering the people. They did many wonders and signs, and the folk shared food and possessions, and many were added to their number day by day. They became the new “not” so tiny little church, that welcomed many folk with glad and generous hearts. And they praised God. And God was pleased.
Questions for Reflection:
- In your tiny little life, have you opened your tiny doors to others who may have different backgrounds/experiences than you?
- Are you a modern day Apostle?
- Is God pleased?
Prayer
Dear God of all tiny people,
Help me daily to be welcoming and share your wonders with anyone who has an open heart to hear your word. Amen
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