In this short summary piece of scripture we learn a lot about how the early church was growing and the power that the apostles had both in terms of power from the Holy Spirit and power of influence over the people.
The apostles had gathered right outside the Temple and were attracting large crowds of people who were coming to be healed and to hear them teach and preach. In a scene very reminiscent of Jesus own ministry people were bringing the sick out into the streets so that perhaps Peter’s shadow might fall on them and heal them (remember the woman who thought that if she could only touch the hem of Jesus’ garment she would be healed). The apostles were preaching and healing and offering new hope to the people. The people were beginning to realize that there was more to following God than rules and regulations. They could have a life giving relationship with God that would change the way the viewed the world.
They offered the opportunity to really live into faith, to be fully alive in God, something that the people were probably not feeling living under the temple structure. In the temple people lived by rules. If you did all that was required of you you would be close to God and be a good follower. But where does this leave you? Does it really evoke a true faith in God or just in the structure of religion? This is a question that we have to ask ourselves today. Are we really living our faith, or are we just trying to follow the rules? Why do you come to church? Is it to be closer to God and to be a part of the community, or do you come out of guilt because you feel that you have to?
We live our lives in many different spheres--home, work, friends, church--but none of them can be totally sectioned off from the others. Even though my son is in daycare while I am at work he is never far from my mind. I don't forget I have a family when I go to work. Our faith should be so integrated in to our lives as well, but many times it is not. It is a challenge for us to keep let our faith weave its way through our daily lives. We cannot forget we are Christians when we go to work, we need to let our faith permeate every part of our life. What ways are you working to integrate your faith into your whole life? God wants for all of us to be in a life giving relationship with him, he has issued the invitation, are you ready to accept?
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