Two Fishes
Acts 4:32-37
Would you give up everything for a better life?
Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. - Acts 4:32-37
It is a trick question, because I am not sure many would agree that the life Joseph (Barnabas) chose was better than the one he had before.
The man was a Levite living in Cyprus, among the Gentiles. He was a religious man who began following Jesus after the resurrection, as depicted here.
We look at his generosity in selling his land and giving the money to the community, but we fail to look at what it meant for the community to have him join them.
He was a benefactor, a supporter, who went on to become a very important member of the community.
So, the question may be, what was Joseph of Cyprus called to do, to become?
We Christians talk a lot about our free will, our ability, given by God, to choose for ourselves. So, when we read a story like this, we focus on that decision. He decided to give up his wealth to support the community.
But look closer. This was a man of faith, a Levite, raised and taught to be a teacher and leader of the faith for the Jewish people.
His whole life was devoted to preparing for the Messiah, and now, the Messiah had come.
He didn’t get to know Jesus personally. He missed the most glorious event in his lifetime, in all of history, but he could still do something.
He felt called to be a part of the community of faith.
The whole purpose of living was to be a witness, and now he can be that.
Wow.
Like the boy who had two fish to add to the loaves, he had something to offer to the cause. So, he gave what he had, and he went on to become a mentor of Paul, and a leader of the movement we call Christianity.
There comes a point in our lives when we are called to see what matters most. We may find ourselves asking questions about value and purpose, and if we have faith, we quiet down and listen to God.
Think of this story from the perspective of Joseph of Cyprus. He looks at what he has to offer God, and all he has is this piece of land. To him, it was a small offering. To the community, it was huge.
That is the message here.
What Jesus is asking of us is simple. Look closely at what you have, what God has given you as talents and treasures, and choose.
All things come from thee Oh Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.
When called to be a servant of God, we bring what we have, and we offer what we can do.
That is what happened here. Joseph became a new person in Barnabas. Today, we remember him, and we celebrate our own chance to become someone new in Christ.
What do you have to offer?
Two fishes? A piece of land?
That is enough.
More to come...