A Missing Miracle

He is dependable and easy to predict. First, he shuffles in quietly, sets the newspaper down gently before me and then, like always, his ink-blackened hands reach quickly toward the  golden tray that holds his favorites: rich dark chocolates. He mumbles that he’ll take just one, then he turns like always, to pluck just one more confection from the crystal dish that sits on the meticulous glass coffee table. I cannot help but notice how this work-worn little man with the unshaven face and soiled work apron stands in such blatant contrast with the Worth and Fortune magazines,the shiny hardwood floors and the racing yacht prints that hang proudly on the walls. This man will never fit into a world of Tag Heuers and Burberry, yet, the question pleads to be asked, "Would he even want to fit in?"

Unlike the clients who frequent the office, the newspaperman has no need for the latest Vacation Homes issue or for Steve Schwarzman trivia that blares a net-worth of $125 billion. Does it matter to him who the top ten private-equity players are? No. So, what if Steve Schwarzman of Blackstone shared his billion-dollar “war chest” with those who were in need, would it solve the deliveryman’s dilemma – if indeed he even has one? That depends on so much!  It isn’t uncommon for the material poor to be pitied as if happiness hinges on our salary – or does it?

Imagine a world where “war chests” were transformed into rivers of abundance and all needs – material and otherwise - were met.  Now, put your imagination aside and read an actual  account of a place where "other-centered" love abounded, "The day of Pentecost came. The believers all gathered in one place. Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like tongues of fire. The flames separated and settled on each of them….they seemed to speak in languages that had not been known before.” Acts 2:1-4. Some would describe this breathtaking scene as a miracle but if one reads further on, the miracle is truly yet to come, “The believers studied what the apostles taught. They shared life together. They broke bread and ate together. And they prayed….They shared everything they had.  They sold what they owned. They gave each other everything they needed.” The miracle doesn't end here, read on, "There were no needy persons among them. From time to time, those who owned land or houses sold them. They brought the money from the sales. They put it down at the apostle’s feet. It was then given out to anyone who needed it.” Acts 4:34, 35.  Acts 4 describes a government so contrary to the world's that I’ve even heard some say, “Well, that was then. This is now” as if people who lived 2,000 years ago were not susceptible to the temptation of position or financial competition - indeed they were! But something of true value had been realized by the people in the early church - the truth about our God reigned supreme in their hearts and minds compelling them to give all. 

Revelation 10 is a popular description of the Kingdom of God that involves gleaming jewels such as crystal and jasper, gates, walls, and finally, pure gold, as pure as glass.  While John's imagery is surely breathtaking, this description pales in comparison to Acts 4 “All the believers were agreed in heart and mind. They didn't claim that anything they had was their own. They shared everything they owned."  And the good news is this Kingdom is not within some glittered-up-future-celestial- galactica - it can be had now.