Act 2:42-43 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.”
There is great benefit in being dedicated. We marvel at the ability of gymnasts, figure skaters, and other athletes. People who have great musical talent, whether with instruments or voice, often mesmerize us. A skilled potter may leave us in awe of the things they are able to craft.
Whatever the skill, they gained their maturity through dedication. They were steadfast in their training. Often, it seemed they lived and breathed their chosen craft to the exclusion of all else. In the verses prior to our topic today, men had heard the wonderful, convicting truth of Jesus Christ.
These men were obviously touched by what they had heard and seen. However, if they had simply walked away thinking “Wow! That was amazing.”, there would have been very little lasting benefit in their lives. Instead, they remained dedicated to the things they had heard. So much so, that in the days following when they were scattered abroad, they took this gospel with them and spread it throughout the world.
They were able to bear witness in the face of great adversity because they were dedicated to the doctrine and fellowship they had heard and seen in the apostles. The Messiah was now more than just a story told by the prophets or someone they looked for in some yet undefined future. He had lived among them, died for them, and was risen and ascended back to the Father. He had kept His promise to send them the Comforter who would abide with them.
They broke bread together, both naturally and spiritually. They bowed their heads and prayed together for this glorious kingdom of God. A deep reverence (fear) for the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost came upon them. They came together as devout Jews, and they were transformed into devout followers of Jesus.
As they remained steadfast, they became witnesses to miracles and mighty works done at the hands of the apostles. In their dedication, God used some of them to do miracles (Acts 6:8, 8:6). They gained maturity in their labor in God’s kingdom because they were steadfast. There was no taking hold of the plow handles and looking back (Luke 9:62).
God has preserved the record of these steadfast men for us. When we are blessed by the Holy Ghost to hear the preaching of the gospel it moves us. Our hearts are stirred, and we are left in awe of such a love as this. However, that deep and abiding joy will only be ours if we remain steadfast.
Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23).” To follow Jesus requires a daily dedication in our lives. We must lay aside our earthly desires and seek to break bread and pray with our steadfast brothers and sisters. Dedication leads us to perfection (being thoroughly complete) in our service in His kingdom, so that we become like our Master (Luke 6:40).
May God bless us to be steadfast in our love for Him and for His people!
