Eastertide
May 2, 2017

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. –Acts 2:43-47

How do we respond to paradigm shifts in our lives; those events that change our entire view of the world. Like those who chose to follow Christ in the first century, we, too at the beginning, might jump in with our whole being basking in the joy of the moment’s revelation.

Spending much of my life as a change agent, I can assure you change is not that easy and when change is attempted, we need to cling tightly to the source of our conviction that the change is imperative. A seasoned politician once told me that it takes at least ten years to pass meaningful change legislation. Our founding leaders had a vision of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It was sorely tested with the Civil War and still is not realized today. I cannot put a date on the beginning of a move toward universal health care in the USA for it began well before 1965 when Medicaid and Medicare were created. It sets on a shaky foundation, today.

Christ’s vision for our world, having stood the test of time, is as valid today as it was when the first followers broke bread together having the goodwill of all the people. Nowhere did anyone say it would be easy. Our striving toward attaining Christ’s vision is worth the effort.

Prayer: God of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, renew your vision within us and lead us toward making it reality. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the new Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.