The Co-Op

Today's story is about sacrificial love. It's about placing other's needs above our own. It's about what God commanded us to do.

In the Book of John, Jesus tells us that He will return and take us out of here to be with him.

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." - John 14:3

Not everyone however will get to go. Some of us, the non-believers, will be left behind. These may be family members or friends of ours. Loved ones who have not chosen Christ.

How it must ache the heart, knowing that these people will be going through seven years of tribulation, unlike anything this world has ever seen. Can we do anything to help them? Yes, we can.

When all of the Christians go to be with Jesus, there's going to be millions of people wondering what happened. And what to do. Some will realize their error and seek God. Sadly, some will not.

Have you ever read the Left Behind series of novels? It is a fictional portrayal of what it will be like in a post-rapture world. The story follows a group of 'late blooming believers' and their struggles to survive.

One of their members is named Cloe. She did something pretty cool. She started a cooperative where people can barter and exchange services for food and other needed items. She called it The Co-Op.

What would you leave behind for your unsaved family members? A letter? A video? Some cash? Food? A Bible?

Of course, this co-op concept is not a new one. The early church was a living example of it.

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." - Acts 2:44-47

Persecution of Christians and Jews is on the rise throughout the world. What will we do to help our brothers and sisters? What will we do today?

Share the Gospel, love God, love your neighbor, and remember this somewhat obscure verse:

“Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher." - Luke 6:39-40

We need to be like our teacher, Jesus, to the lost, blind, and hurting. Have we been fully trained? We'd better be. He is coming soon. And we have just what lost souls need. Remember that passage from Acts. "They gave to anyone who had need."

Be the Co-Op.

"Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest." - John 4:35