Impact the World Around You
Paul had spent years preparing to serve God and rebuild his reputation so that He could be effective. As he was preparing to leave out with Barnabus, they were reminded to help the poor. When the early believers met together before being kicked out of Jerusalem they shared everything so that no one had need among them. If someone was hungry, food was provided. If someone was struggling, money was given. If someone lost their home another was provided.
Imagine that you were someone in distinct need. Maybe you lost your job, your farm, your home, or family. Along comes Barnabus who tells you that he sold some of his property and gives you the money so that your need is met? What would that do for you? There are a few things at work behind the scenes for which we should take note:
There were both rich and poor in the early church. It seems today that we have segregated our churches too much. We rationalize by saying that some churches are just designed to help the poor better. We suggest that they would not be comfortable in our church so we should not worry. We target too much the upper middle class so we can pay the bills and maintain our religious lifestyle we have grown so fond of these days. A better question would be, "Why are those different from us not comfortable with us?" This gets to the root. What have we become that all are not welcomed or loved sacrificially? Our welfare society has created a lazy beggar mentality among too many. A rift has been created so that the church does not want to be taken advantage of as stewards of God's resources. However, all peoples should be feel God's love from us every time we gather.
Barnabus was aware of the problems around him. I believe that there was two way communication going on in the church. Barnabus was aware of the need because he took the time to be aware. Those in need were not ashamed or flippant about their situation. The simple truth was that following Jesus cost something. To follow Jesus meant that a person might lose their job, farms, and possibly family. The believers in the church were meeting together, prayimg together, fellowshipping together, and loving one another. Without shame, needs were shared and heard. There was more than just prayers being lifted, needs were shared and met by others in the group.
The Lord added to their number daily those being saved. Dedication to God and each other was a distinctive piece of the early church and God blessed their dedication and commitment. There is a connection to remembering the poor and the spread of the gospel. Evangelism and social justice at uniquely tied together. Doing one without the other is not the example we see in the early church. They understood that both were needed. We cannot just tell the gospel without feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, or clothing the naked. We cannot just accomplish social needs apart from the gospel presentation. They are intricately tied together.
As Paul sets out, he is commissioned with the gospel and the reminder to remember the poor. In doing the same, may we bring glory to God and growtybto the Kingdom as we are found worthy to have the lost among us getting saved.
Created 6 months ago
