Community in the Last Days
by Steve Martin
“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” (Acts 4:32 NKJV)
Any of you remember the days when you knew who your neighbor was, by name, and if you needed to borrow an egg, Grace next door always had one? And she really didn’t expect you to pay it back.
Remember the days when your lawn went uncut for a few days longer than it was supposed to, because the sickness you caught held on, but George got his out his lawnmower and just came and took care of it?
How about those times gone by when you needed a ride to the store, and gave Harry down the street a quick call, knowing he’d help you in your time of need?
It was a time when we just helped one another out. First, because we actually knew one another, and second, because that was just what we did. We were part of a close knit community, knowing the families who shared the neighborhood we lived in and with whom our kids played with each other. Outdoors of course.
Those were the days some have never seen in their lives. They have grown up in more recent times, possibly moving so often that they can’t remember the names of their school classmates two years ago, as they changed so much.
Many of us still cherish those good memories, and even desire those times to come back. I don’t think they will ever return as then, but I do have the hope that the Lord is bringing us back to those types of relationships necessary to survive in these coming last days.
You see, the Father God has always had it in His heart for people to be in families, in close-knit communities, in relationships where you know the ones you are meant to be close to. Throughout history He has given us the example of living in community life, supporting one another as needed, caring for the young and old in our midst. The Jewish community has been that example, even in the early days of the church, when they were together and had all things in common.
This Jewish heritage, part of our Jewish roots as believers in Jesus, who Himself grew up in a close-knit Jewish culture, has continued through the centuries demonstrating the heart of the Father. They have been given as a light to the nations to display the desired care and concern that God has for individuals, families, and the extended family life.
This community life is even more though than just having a next door neighbor there for that egg, or giving a hand to cut the grass. Actually having ongoing relationships - sharing concerns, helping one another raise kids in a healthy environment, and participating in His love in a real way beyond just talk - I believe He is going to restore.
As members of the Bride of Christ and the One New Man church of believers, we will live in such a way that others really will long for what we have together. They will see the love and desire it for themselves.
In these last days to come, no longer will our living exist for just “hers and mine and maybe two more.” We will be in real community - sharing, giving, supporting and depending on those joints whom we are connected to. Not in just some spiritual sense, but in the actual here and now.
Tough times tend to bring people together in living out actual community. He will see to it that His people do come together, and be the people we are called to be. Together. One heart, one mind, having all things in common. I believe that day is coming sooner than we think.
I look forward to it, personally.
Steve Martin
Founder
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Now Think On This #127 Community in the Last Days Steve Martin
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (03.09.14) Sunday at 1:30 am in Charlotte, NC).
All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog,
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