CORPORATE BLESSING / CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

“Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you."
(Jos.3:5)

The blessing of wonder(s) among God’s people in that passage are preceded by the act of consecration first taking place in the lives of God’s people. Such an act of individual responsibility is to be understood (and carried out) in a group context --- according to the text. Joshua is speaking to everyone as a corporate body, instructing them to set themselves apart collectively for holy service and thereby provide a setting in which God can then move in power among all of them. In other words, the “signs and wonders” of the Lord which are pending a release among all the people is to take place once all the people (as a congregation) have responded to the call for collective consecration. Some theologians call this a "corporate anointing".

This same idea is reflected in Ps.22:3 where we’re told that “God is enthroned upon the praises of His people.” The enthroning that is to take place is manifested based on two group-wide responsibilities. First, praises are to be offered up. The praises mentioned here are of a plural nature rather than individual. This is not a me and Jesus interaction --- it's an us and Jesus dynamic. It is our collective praise --- our “one voice” declaration that is said to build God a throne. The second aspect that we’re shown here is that we enthrone Him as a people, not as individuals. It is certainly true that our personal declarations of praise and worship are important. Without an individual testimony at work there can be no corporate gathering of worshipers taking place. That should be clearly understood. However, the specific substance and nature of God’s manifested blessings corporately to His people requires a united offering. This is stated again in Ps.133 where dwelling together in unity is said to create an atmosphere where “the Lord commands the blessing of life forevermore.” The lack of unity in purpose and spirit can restrict or eliminate the very blessing that God wants to impart to His people corporately.

Here’s another Scriptural example found in Isa.65:8, “As the new wind is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘do not destroy it, for there is benefit in it…’." The KJV uses the word “blessing” instead of benefit. Clustering together provides a sort of container into which blessing (new wine) can be imparted. No container(s), no oil (see 2 Kings 4:1-6), no cluster, no blessing.

The New Testament takes the same position:

“And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place (Acts 2:1).” The KJV translation says “in one accord”. In 1 Peter 2:9 we’re told that we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God’s own possession.” Again, this is a collective positioning before God, and before the world to which we have been called out to “show forth the praises unto Him”. We are saved seperately, but we are called out to be united as the people of God.

“The near loss of a perspective of corporate responsibility in favor of the individualism prevalent today has created a major gap between the present and the biblical world.” (Enthroned On Our Praise: An Old Testament Theology Of Worship / Timothy M. Pierce)

Dear saints, let’s cluster up. There is a corporate blessing, and a kingdom anointing waiting for us when we come together in a show of unity, faith, obedience and sacrifice.


"HEAVEN ON EARTH"

"Marching in the spirit of unity, to our community, show His ability
The will of the Lord for His children, is to demonstrate, perpetuate

Be seated in heavenily place
Just like heaven, just like heaven on earth
To be walking in His favor and grace is
Just like heaven, just like heaven on earth"

("Heaven On Earth" / David Binion)