Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Word
“So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.” (Acts 11:29)
Meditation
Today’s meditation is written by Allison Lewis
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina barreled straight into the coast of Louisiana. The city of New Orleans and its people were adversely affected, going without power, food, and clean water for weeks. People who chose not to evacuate were trapped. As the floodwaters remained high, the damage done to schools, businesses, and residential homes increased, eventually proving irreversible. Images of Katrina’s damage played every hour on national news stations. No one could have predicted the devastation to New Orleans, or the length of time that it would take to clean up the debris and ruins left behind. The situation appeared hopeless.
Slowly, however, help began to arrive. Emergency responders from all over flooded the city, and local, state and federal governments found a way to start the clean-up and the process of rebuilding. I remember that my home congregation at the time even sent a group to the area to help clean up trash and materials left over from the storm.
In Acts 11, we read that the prophet Agabus, through the Holy Spirit, foretold that, “there would be a great famine over all the world” (Acts 11:28). Judea is listed among the towns that experienced this great famine. My guess is that many people were not prepared for such destruction, and they probably didn’t know how things would turn out. Their situation seemed hopeless.
The disciples’ response to Agabus’ message is to send help to their brothers who were living in Judea. Rather than sit on the sidelines, they find a way to help, and are able to send supplies to the elders of Judea through Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:30).
But they didn’t just send paper only or clothes only or shoes only. As we read verse 29 closely, it states that the disciples sent relief, “every one according to his ability” (Acts 11:29).
At Christ Memorial, we are guided by two words: “Loved + Sent.” We have many teams and groups that go out and share the Gospel in different ways. We even have a yearly opportunity to serve others in the community each fall. And guess what? Each person serves according to his or her ability. In this way, we are able to reach more people with the love of Jesus, in many more places.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the unique talents that you have given me. Help me to boldly serve those in my community and to support my brothers and sisters in Christ to the best of my ability. Amen.
For the Worldwide Church
- For unity of the one, holy, Christian church. Across borders, languages, colors, and denominations.
- Rebuke the church where she has strayed: Where divided, misguided, in error, or in poor witness. Judge and forgive us.
- Judge and eradicate Christian hypocrisy. Remove false teaching that leads people away from the truth. Make us humble and repentant.
- For Christians in places where they are persecuted or in minority. For boldness, strength, and provision where their lives are at risk for the sake of the gospel.
- For reconciliation where there is division in the Christian church.
Benediction
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. (Rom. 15:13)