Our Daily Bread -- Chameleon Crawl

April 17, 2016

Read: Acts 2:42-47
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 1-2; Luke 14:1-24

Every day they continued to meet together. —Acts 2:46

When we think of the chameleon, we probably think of its ability to change color according to its surroundings. But this lizard has another interesting characteristic. On several occasions I've watched a chameleon walk along a pathway and wondered how it ever reached its destination. Reluctantly, the chameleon stretches out one leg, seems to change its mind, attempts again, and then carefully plants a hesitant foot, as if afraid the ground will collapse under it. That was why I couldn't help laughing when I heard someone say, “Do not be a chameleon church member who says, ‘Let me go to church today; no, let me go next week; no, let me wait for a while!’”

“The house of the Lord” at Jerusalem was King David’s place of worship, and he was far from being a “chameleon” worshiper. Rather, he rejoiced with those who said, “Let us go to the house of the Lord” (Ps. 122:1). The same was true for believers in the early church. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. . . . Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts” (Acts 2:42, 46).

What a joy it is to join with others in worship and fellowship! Praying and worshiping together, studying the Scriptures together, and caring for one another are essential for our spiritual growth and unity as believers. —Lawrence Darmani

Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares. John Fawcett

Worshiping together brings strength and joy.

INSIGHT: Acts 2 describes the birth of the church on the day of Pentecost when God, in fulfillment of prophecies and promises (Joel 2:28-32; Isa. 32:15; Ezek. 36:26-27; 39:29; John 16:7), sent the Holy Spirit to indwell those who believe in Jesus (Acts 2:1-4). This first church was growing, gracious, and generous. Luke says another 3,000 people were added to the 120-member congregation (Acts 1:15; 2:41). These early believers showed remarkable acts of generosity for those in need (2:44-45). Luke describes the elements that keep the church growing and vibrant: instruction in God’s Word, fellowship with believers, and prayer (Acts 2:42-44). Sim Kay Tee

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