What does "until all the flocks are gathered" teach about community cooperation? Gathered at the Well (Genesis 29:7-8) “Look,” he said, “it is still broad daylight; it is not time for the livestock to be gathered. Water the sheep and go feed them.” “But they replied, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered, and the stone is rolled away from the mouth of the well; then we will water the sheep.” The Setting: Why the Shepherds Waited • A single large stone sealed the well—too heavy for one person. • Multiple shepherds routinely arrived with their flocks. • Only when everyone was present did they combine strength, roll the stone away, draw water, and then reseal the well to prevent loss or contamination. Practical Picture of Cooperation • Shared Resources: One well served many; no single shepherd monopolized it. • Mutual Protection: Resealing safeguarded scarce water for all. • Coordinated Timing: Waiting ensured no flock missed its turn and no shepherd shouldered the burden alone. Spiritual Principles for Community Life • Collective strength is God’s design. “Two are better than one… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) • Patience for the slower or smaller is an act of love (1 Corinthians 13:4). • Shared burdens lighten individual loads. “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) • Unity protects shared blessings. “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” (Acts 20:28) New Testament Echoes of the Same Truth • Early believers “were together and had everything in common.” (Acts 2:44) • The church is “one body, though all its parts are many.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) • We are urged to “consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) Living It Out Today • Recognize shared wells—facilities, finances, talents—that no one believer owns. • Wait for one another in decision-making; major moves require collective agreement. • Roll away “stones” together: overwhelming tasks, crises, mission projects. • Guard the well: protect doctrine, resources, and reputations through mutual accountability. • Celebrate every flock: rejoice when the smallest group arrives, ensuring none are overlooked. |
    |