Twentieth Century Patmos
"I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the Isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ." (Rev. 1:9.) This is John's description of what had befallen him.
Friday evening, December 3rd, I witnessed a scene even more pathetic and heart rending than being exiled as was John; more pathetic because of the number involved. I listened to approximately seventy five old saints as they sang, studied and prayed together, and wondered who was responsible for their being in that lonely place. I also wondered who was responsible for a plan of caring for the needy so foreign to that set forth in God's word. Had I not previously heard and read of the operation of that place, it would have been difficult to believe that it was the product of people who professed to be children of God. If you can picture seventy-five old soldiers of the cross, who have worn themselves out, rearing their children and sacrificing that the church might grow and prosper, and then being exiled to some lonely place, you have somewhat the picture that I saw. There were many things that had blighted their hopes and marred their happiness. They have been separated from one of life's most prized possessions, association of those whom they loved, and have been forced into the company of strangers, invalids and insane, but we need not expect more from the arrangement of men.
It is disgusting and almost disheartening to read the feeble defense that has been made of this and other institutions of men. Equally disgusting is the statement that the Lord has given no plan or method of caring for the needy. Is it true that inspiration has been silent on ways and means of doing this part of the Lord's work? Let us examine the Bible teaching on this subject.
FIRST, let me call to your attention the teaching concerning the responsibility that we have of caring for our own flesh and blood. The Apostle Paul said, "If a widow has children or grandchildren let them first learn their religious duty to their own family and make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God." (1 Tim. 5:4. RV) If this command had been followed by the children and grandchildren of those ostracized saints the population of this institution would stand at a greatly reduced figure, and the happiness of these benighted souls would be greatly enhanced. The wise man, Solomon, said, "A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother." (Prov. 15:20), also, "There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother." (Prov. 30.11.) The obligation that we have of taking care of our relatives cannot be overlooked. It is as binding as the command to be baptized for the remission of sins, and the neglect of that duty is of no less consequence. The Lord has never required the impossible of any man. It may, in some instances, be impossible for this plan to be followed because of drought, famine or some other disaster, but the Lord has not overlooked this possibility. If Christians are faced with such conditions, so was the church in Jerusalem. Let us notice their procedure.
The early church was faced with the problems of caring for several needy people. The apostles thought it unwise too for them to quit preaching the gospel of Christ and serve tables, but it is different today, some gospel preachers are placing the emphasis on serving tables. In the sixth chapter of Acts is an example of the church caring for its needy. These individuals were cared for right in the city where they lived by their brethren in the same congregation — the Jerusalem Church. Seven men, "full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom," were selected to look after their needs. Why wouldn't the same procedure be acceptable today? Would it be questionable to follow the plan inaugurated by Peter and the other apostles? If it is done in this manner, who would receive the glory? Wouldn't Christ and his church be exalted in the eyes of the world instead of some Home ( ?) organized by men? It is a little nauseating and depressing to read the reports of the work of "our HOMES." The church was the New Testament agency. The Lord was honored and exalted, not one of "our homes."
Sometimes whole communities, even whole provinces may suffer famine and entire congregations may be reduced to poverty; thus making them incapable of supplying even the barest necessities of life. What is a church to do when faced with a condition of this kind? Should the Salvation Army, Red Cross and other relief agencies be called in to assist? Should the destitute be sent away to some "Home" or institution to be cared for? When unusual circumstances arise, these and similar questions are asked by well meaning brethren. Why not ask, "What did the church of the first century do when faced with a like circumstance? What did they do? "And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great dearth throughout all of the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 11:27-30.)
Here is an example of a need so great that the combined effort of every member of a congregation could not relieve the situation. Here is the course to pursue under similar conditions. Appeal was made to other churches, and these surrounding congregations rallied to their plea for help. Men were chosen to go to various places and collect the things needful to relieve this condition, and when collection was made it was brought to the elders. From far away Corinth, Macedonia and other places came supplies to Judaea. Thus another example of how poor saints were cared for right in their own locality. It is scriptural for us to take care of our needy relatives, in fact it is the will of God that we so do. People who are destitute and cannot be cared for by relatives, become the obligation of their brethren in the local congregation per the example in Jerusalem. If whole congregations are poverty stricken, the obligation becomes that of other congregations with the ability to administer to their needs. This is God's plan. Shall we follow it or send them to Patmos?