I finished reading Jesus for President a couple of weeks ago and I’m about done with The Irresistible Revolution, and these two books have me really focused on the Kingdom of God and cultivating community. The seeker in me wonders what life would be like if we really lived out what Jesus preached and what the early followers of The Way were inspired to demonstrate with their very lives. When the early Believers lived the words of Jesus, something miraculous happened. Let’s read Acts 4: 32-34 with fresh eyes:
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
This is such a radical, counter-cultural community! These followers of The Way eliminated private ownership, unified under the banner of Community, and were blessed greatly as a result. As Shane Claiborne points out in Jesus for President, this subset of society eliminated poverty within their ranks. There was no government program. No foundation grant. No nonprofit assistance. No politician pushing promises. Because they decided to live the words of Jesus poverty became extinct. Now here’s the relevant question:
How many of us want to bring an end to poverty? (I’m betting on everyone on the other side of this screen raising their hands.) Good!
Now, how many of us – Believers – Followers of The Way – Disciples of Jesus are ready to start siphoning off our personal possessions so that everyone’s needs are met? (uh…he-…helloooooooooooo out thereeeeee….”cricket” “cricket”)
You do know that living within the American Economic System that poverty will never leave us don’t you? This mixed capitalism that we live under supports the unjust distribution of resources, selfishness, material gluttony, oligopolies, and political oligarchies. It just doesn’t line up with the words of Jesus. (i.e. “Whatever you do for the least of these you do for me” Matt. 25:40)
Our culture offers many grand words about our responsibility to those in need, but if you match our words with our actions then you’ll find we are much like the rich ruler that Jesus encountered who was curious about immortality. Let’s read this together with fresh eyes:
As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.”
“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” [Mark 10:17-23 New Living Translation]
How many of us can say: No Murder? check. No Stealing? check. No adultery? check.
SELL ALL I HAVE AND GIVE IT TO THE POOR?! But GOD gave me this Benz!
Oh really. (Do you really mean this BENZ gave me my god?)
The Kingdom of God is obviously not of this world, but it is the only sermon that Jesus preached and when his earliest adherents lived it; they experienced remarkable miracles and blessings from God. There was joy, unity, food, and no lack among them. They were the Beloved Community.
I’m striving now to experience God’s Kingdom in my personal life and I’m starting with my stuff. I have too much. I’m not rich by the world’s determination, but in another sense I am. I had nearly 8 pairs of shoes, more clothes than I can wear, more “things” than I can classify and I drive past people in downtown Baltimore who are barefoot, half naked, and hungry. God created enough for everybody. Why are there people with nothing living alongside people with more than enough?
I took four pairs of my shoes out of my closet and to the Baltimore Free Store last Saturday. I watched with great joy as those who needed my brown loafers walked off with them without paying a dime. I thought I was going to tear up while giving up my Durango boots, but nope. I’m good. I have enough. And I have more that I’ll be turning over this Saturday.
This is the type of Christian communalism that my soul longs to see! I’ve had enough of Christian commercialism. I’m hungry now for the Kingdom of God.
Anybody up to searching for the Kingdom with me?
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