Psalm 122:3 says, “Jerusalem is built As a city that is compact together.” This gives a description of the architecture of ancient Jerusalem. However, beyond architectural design, it is also emblematic of the kind of community structure that God instituted for His people. God has always wanted community structure to be life touching life. Their society was structured in such a way that everybody served as their brother’s keeper. The text today contains the charge that Joshua gave to Reuben, Gad, and half of the children of Manasseh who got their inheritance before their brethren. Joshua charged them not to rest, but be armed to help their brethren in the other tribes to lay hold of their inheritance as well. 

The pain of one part of the body is the pain of the entire body, and the welfare of one is the welfare of all. Working together as one is the only way we can hasten God’s agenda on earth.

The early church re-lived the communal spirit that was found in ancient Israel. It is on record that those who had possessions sold them and brought the proceeds to the apostles. Distribution was then made according to everyone’s needs. They had all things in common. There is no room for self-seeking and self-centeredness in God’s kingdom. This is why the analogy of a body is used to describe believers. The pain of one part of the body is the pain of the entire body, and the welfare of one is the welfare of all. Working together as one is the only way we can hasten God’s agenda on earth.