After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. Acts 4:31-35
To {share} is truly God’s idea. With a focus on sharing we can see from the creation of the world in which we live, God chose to share His creation with us. And truly this morning I’m struck with a fresh awareness should God choose not to share with me, I would have nothing – not even air in my lungs.
So, as much as I think on any given day I’ve come up with a great idea to share something of what I have with someone else, I have to stop and give thanks to God for sharing that idea with me. Pondering on the word share for today, my mind first landed in the book of Acts, the early church gathered together in community sharing what they had with each other so that the needs of everyone were met.
I’m wondering if God’s definition of community is sharing. If we were to look in Father’s dictionary would we find community and sharing as synonyms. I myself am fairly convinced this is so. Again gleaning truth from the book of Ruth, I see a similar community of sharing and taking care of one another portrayed.
Certainly, Naomi shared her home with Orpah and Ruth. Later, Ruth shared Naomi’s home and God and people in Bethlehem of Judah. The women of Bethlehem welcomed Naomi home and took Ruth in as one of their own.
Boaz shared his field with Ruth and certainly many other women who would glean in his fields throughout the harvest. Significant here though is that Boaz showed a special kindness to Ruth, a foreigner, by allowing her to share in the harvest. By sharing with Ruth, Boaz was also sharing with Naomi as was right for a near kinsman.
Naomi shared with Ruth the ways of God Almighty and the Laws of Moses. As was discussed yesterday regarding discipleship, Naomi prepared Ruth for becoming the wife of their near kinsman and taught her the way of being redeemed.
And then Boaz stepped in. Boaz had something more than grain he could share with the women to help sustain them. He had a voice, a good reputation and standing in the community. Boaz took up their cause at the gate, publicly sharing Naomi’s desire to sell her husband’s property.
Boaz was the first to speak up for the widows, Naomi and Ruth, however, respectfully he shared the opportunity to redeem Naomi’s property with the man who was to have the first option – the nearest kinsman.
I hope you’ll read these beautifully insightful scriptures for yourself…the whole book of Ruth, particularly here Ruth 4, with a focus on what it means to live in community and share – not just with those who are of the Church, but strangers in our communities as well.
Certainly, I have gleaned much from these passages, and I’m asking…
Lord Jesus, teach me again today through Your word and by the counsel of Holy Spirit what You want me to know about community – where I live and work and shop and exercise. Reveal to me Lord moment by moment what I have in my hands that I might share with someone I meet today. And more than what I have in my hand, help me to always remember I have You to share with everyone I meet. For Your Glory, Jesus… amen.
Boaz went to the town gate and took a seat there. Just then the family redeemer he had mentioned came by, so Boaz called out to him, “Come over here and sit down, friend. I want to talk to you.” So they sat down together. Then Boaz called ten leaders from the town and asked them to sit as witnesses. And Boaz said to the family redeemer, “You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish. If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don’t want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.” Ruth 4:1-4
Ponders:
What do you think?
- Are the ideas of community and sharing synonymous?
- What scriptures come to mind when you think of God sharing and people sharing?
- Will you ask Holy Spirit to enlighten your heart about sharing?
- what you have to share?
- who you are able to share with?
- do you agree you always have Jesus to share with anyone you meet?
- what might it look like to share Jesus today?
- what has sharing Jesus looked like in the past?
Eyes on Jesus…you’re Shining
~ Lisa
