Wednesday, February 10, 2016

It starts at home...

The focal point of the early church was the Gospel, the good news of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, ascension and imminent return. The primary place that it took place though was in the home. At times they gathered all together in one place and brought worship, a real sacrifice (Acts 3,4; Romans 12:1). However, primarily the setting of the Book of Acts was in homes. 

The western mind begins to envision lavish mansions with many rooms but this was not the case. The average home in Jerusalem at the time of the New Testament consisted of one large room with two divisions, one of which was used at night to house animals for warmth and protection. There may have been an outside courtyard that was fenced or enclosed that was considered part of the home as well but in no way were these dwellings lavish or large. They were built with efficiency and economy in mind not for large public gatherings or for hosting parties. Here is a good example of a model first century Jewish home. 



Yet this seemingly minuscule, for today’s standards, dwelling is the prime location for the majority of what we see taking place in the book of Acts. This leads us to some interesting observations. In this small space, dozens of people crammed in and around one another to hear more about The Christ and what He did. Children heard the hum around the place daily with constant discussions of Jesus and what this meant to their lives. Families gave up their all in order to share with others. Meals were no longer a place of solitude from the world but were constantly abuzz with more news of this Jesus who was no longer dead, nor around anymore but promised He would come back again some day. 

Moms, and Dads and families today can scarcely relate to the busyness that ensued as a result. Their neighbors and friends were selling their homes and possessions in order to provide for the needs of others, some were even being run out of their homes and inheritances as a result in their newfound faith in Jesus. We tend to see tragedy in this, but the believers of that day seemingly had a different perspective, “But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went” (Acts 8:4 NLT). 

What can we learn from this today? First, it is important to thank God for the great provision He has given us. Not many, if any, of us live in two room homes. This is due in large part, if not wholly, to the blessing of God on our lives. We live in a time, for now, of relative peace and immense prosperity. The homes where we live today can accommodate many people with relative ease and comfort for our families and any visitors. In gratitude for this provision, how are we using this blessing of God to grow His kingdom? Is your home a high walled castle meant to keep others away? Or is it a place of refuge for the hurting and needy? Is it a place constantly buzzing with the Good News of Jesus Christ, His death, burial, resurrection, ascension and reminder of His imminent return some day? 

Secondly, this is a reminder to us all that one thing we could stand to emulate from first century Christians is their hospitality toward others, but also a place where our families should be reminded of the sacrifices of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The pressing topic of conversation should be centered around the fact that our Messiah is a coming king to which not only we will bow to down but one day all will have to submit to (Phil. 2). It is our joy, let alone our responsibility, to share this news with fervor to those around us. We can start with our own husbands, wives and children but it can’t stop just there. 

Finally, instead of isolation, the Christians then, as we should be today, lived a life of involvement. How can we integrate our faith into everyday moments? One vitally important way to do this is to open our homes to those around us. Whether it be a hurting friend or family member from church or lost friend from work or school, our homes are the front lines for the ministry to which we are all called today. Proclaiming good news can seem inconvenient to our routines and schedules but I submit that this is a misappropriation of value on privacy and isolation as opposed to the biblical model of involvement. Even Peter for example found God revealing Himself to him on the rooftop of what most Jews of the day would have considered a most unclean place that any respectable Jewish man, let alone leader, would not be caught dead in (Acts 10). 

Our homes are one of the greatest assets God has given us. We can live a life of isolation and separation from the sin filled world around us or we can use them to grow the Kingdom of God here on Earth until His return. The choice is ours. That is the beauty of free will and grace. God gives us the chance to use all that we have, all that we are for His glory and the growth of His kingdom. 

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. " (Col. 3:12-17 NLT) 


Original photo found at: http://www.womeninthebible.net/2.1.Mary_of_Nazareth.htm