DAILY READING
REFLECTION
More and More
by Beth Voltmann
There is something so captivating about the early days of the Church. Following the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, these believers began to gather together in a way that was contagious to many watching.
We are given our first glimpse of this dynamic gathering of early Christians in Acts 2:42-47. Not only were they devoted to teaching, fellowship, sharing and prayer but...
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.” (Acts 2:46)
They were so compelled to share the gospel that they met daily in a colonnade attached to the temple. Today’s passage gives more details about the impact these believers had on those around.
“The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people
and all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.
No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord
and were added to their number.” (Acts 5:12-14)
Even though they were highly regarded by the people, they still faced much opposition from Jewish religious leaders and others.
Although signs and wonders were performed and many sick were healed, those in power responded in jealousy and jailed some of the apostles.
How did they maintain their spiritual fervor?
They lived knowing that Jesus must become greater and they must become less (John 3:30).
He had promised to be with them always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20).
Thus, when God’s angel appeared to the apostles and brought them out of the jail cell, they faithfully obeyed the instructions given:
“Go, stand in the temple courts...and tell the people all about this new life.” (Acts 5:20)
Through the obedience and unwavering faith of the early believers, the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread like a holy fire throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Hearts were stirred, courage was aroused, faith was planted, healing was poured out, and...
more and more saw, heard, believed and followed.
PRAYER
Lord, stir the hearts of believers today. May we meet together often to worship and to boldly share your promise of new life in Christ with those around us. May your Church shine brightly in this present darkness. Please help us to share the gospel so courageously that more and more will see, hear, believe and follow. Amen.
Beth, this is a wonderful devotion. I am especially touched by your use of John 3:30 as I have been praying this verse and Journaling on it all week. I love how God uses these devotions to speak to us. Thank you.