The Four Devotions
Acts 2:42-44 –
‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common.’
There’s something fascinating about exploring the first century world of Jesus. Finding out more about what life was like, what it meant to be family, how they worshipped.
Following Jesus today can feel so far removed from the world back then - the technology, lifestyle, globalisation and fast pace of our world that seem to bear no resemblance to the small fishing villages where Jesus called his first disciples. The early church had a mission though, one which has continued through thousands of years. That mission is our mission too – to make disciples of Jesus everywhere, baptise them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teach them the ways of Jesus.
This mission, our mission - was outworked in the early church. Acts 2 says, ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.’
Four basic ‘Devotions’ that help us understand what following Jesus should be like, for us, our church and our communities. The early church devoted themselves to:
The apostles’ teaching
Fellowship
Breaking of bread
Prayer
Only four.
But these four ‘Devotions’ were the very heart of their life. They devoted themselves to these – not some wishy washy, half-hearted, limp, luke-warm, maybe-I’ll-do-it-if-there’s-nothing-better…NO! This was full on commitment, a deep, shared faithful, giving type of commitment. A devotion of love which means laying our life down for each other.
These ‘Devotions’ take courage, commitment and love as well as a whole heap of grace and mercy on top. Through them we reveal to the world and those around us who Jesus is – ‘As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:34-35).
We don’t get this right straightaway, but that’s not what counts - it’s the commitment to develop these more and more that matters.
Prayer – Heavenly God, I want to be devoted to you, knowing more of you at work in my life. Please keep me devoted to my own spiritual growth, to serving others, to worshipping you and always having my ears open to hear from you. In Jesus name.