“There was not a needy person among them.” Acts 4:34
Our world is full of needs. Just turn on the TV and you’ll hear painful stories of those who have many needs: Children without parents. People who can’t find enough to eat or who are dying from lack of clean water. Wars. Broken lives. People stealing from one another. The list goes on and on.
This reality is part of what it means to live in a world full of sin. There will always be people who have needs that are never filled in this life. It’s also why we long for Jesus to return soon and redeem all of the sadness. We pray for his kingdom to manifest on earth as it is in heaven.
In light of all of the brokenness, isn’t it amazing to read in our text today that in the community of Jesus’ first followers “there was not a needy person among them”? When God’s Spirit infects a community, its members become consumed not with their own needs but the needs of others.
Isn’t this how Jesus treats us? He laid aside his own needs for the sake of others. We reflect his character and glory when we focus on others and not on ourselves. It’s the best way to live, and it brings the most joy.
Read
- How does this text show us that Jesus was not selfish?
- How can you grow in becoming more of a servant in your family, at work, at school, or at church?
- Are there needs in your sphere of influence that you could meet or address as a family?
Pray
Our Father, thank you for meeting our ultimate need in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you for saving us from wrath. May you stir in us a desire to reflect you and your selflessness as we seek to meet the needs of others in our church family and those outside our church family. We want to do this for your glory. Please use us. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide.
