By Glenn Johnson of West Des Moines, Iowa, USA

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.

Each Wednesday the “Love Lunch” team delivers about 80 sack lunches to the hungry and homeless on the streets of the neighborhoods surrounding the Covina, California, Congregation. Each Sunday they serve a hot meal after the worship service. I estimate they’ve served nearly 50,000 meals since they began. Every week is filled with moments of spiritual awareness. One of the stops each Wednesday is to a narrow opening leading to a culvert that passes under the highway. Four people live in that dark, damp environment below the ground. They live far enough back from the opening that Letha from the Love Lunch team shouts out, “Kenny! Geri! Love Lunches!”

The noise of the cars passing overhead makes it difficult to hear. Eventually there is a reply. They slowly make their way past the items they’ve hoarded underground and into the light. They live in conditions that to me seem hopeless. Letha asks how they are doing and offers them encouragement. To many, the efforts of bringing food to subterranean dwellers over a period of years may seem futile. But I cannot help but feel that each time they come out to receive the food offered, all—both giver and receiver—experience a moment of resurrection. Perhaps the experienced and hoped-for new life that we seek comes not all at once but in a million tiny moments of resurrection when we emerge into the light and gifts of hopefulness are exchanged.

Yes, the promise of resurrection is made real each time we respond to the call to become the hands and feet of Jesus and serve “the least of these...”

Prayer Phrase

Today, how will I courageously walk with Jesus, the peaceful One?

Spiritual Practice

Discerning Future Leadership

Pray: Prayerfully explore the church’s current situation and the world in which leadership will occur. Consider the question from your context while also being mindful of the church’s global context. What are the most significant situations, opportunities, or challenges that a prophetic leader will need to address? https://cofchrist.org/discerning-future-leadership/ 

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.