“Why
can’t we all just get along?” Back in 1992 Rodney King asked a question similar
to this in an effort to calm the Los Angeles riots as a result of his own
violent arrest by the police. As we have seen time and again because of sin,
the thin veneer of civilization of our own modern American society can come
quickly undone, resulting in violence and instability.
I
recently read a book by Sebastian Junger called “Tribe” in which he described,
through the illustration of societal breakdown due to war, the value of real
community. Junger proposes that community, in its most basic sense, is simply
genuine sharing and caring for others, especially in times of stress. He uses
as an example the communal meal, food provided by all whether large or small,
elaborate or simple, demonstrating both the human desire to care for others as
well as the desire to be cared for.
We
see this idea of community taught throughout Scripture, but it is clearly
demonstrated among the new Yeshua followers in the book of Acts.
Day
by day they continued with one mind, spending time at the Temple and breaking
bread from house to house. They were sharing meals with gladness and sincerity
of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. (Acts
2:46-47 TLV)
May
we demonstrate today their deep commitment to community ourselves, whether in
prosperity or peril!
Forward
for Messiah,
Kirk
Gliebe
Rabbi &
Director
