Embracing Your Role
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7
Insight
Today, as we continue our journey through the book of Acts, we see the early church buzzing with energy and passion, but also facing some real-world challenges. There was a rumbling among the community, a concern that the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
Now, what strikes me about this passage is how the apostles responded. They didn't sweep the issue aside or try to handle it all on their own. Instead, they gathered the believers and said, "Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them" (Acts 6:3).
Do you see it? The apostles recognized the power of community and collaboration. They didn't just appoint anyone to the task; they sought out individuals overflowing with the Spirit and wisdom. Because they understood that serving isn't just about ticking off tasks—it's about embodying the heart and mind of Christ.
So these seven men were chosen to oversee the distribution of food, freeing up the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word. And here's what blows me away: these weren't glamorous roles. They were simple, everyday tasks—serving tables and making sure everyone had enough to eat.
These men embraced their role with humility and joy. They didn't see themselves as just table-servers; they saw themselves as vessels of God's love, pouring out grace in the most ordinary of acts.
And you know what happened next? The word of God spread like wildfire, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly. Why? Because when we embrace humble service with open hearts and willing hands, God's kingdom advances in ways we can't even fathom.
So here's the challenge I want to lay before you today: Will you be a table-server in God's kingdom? Will you embrace the seemingly mundane tasks with a spirit of joy and a heart full of love?
There's incredible power in the ordinary when it's infused with the love of Christ. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that touches lives and transforms communities. In God's economy, there's no task too small and no act of service too insignificant. For when we serve with love, we become vessels of His grace, shining brightly in a world that desperately needs His light.
Reflection
Think about the concept of humble service and the impact it can have on spreading God's love. Are there any tasks or roles in your life that you tend to overlook or underestimate? How might you reframe your perspective to see them as opportunities for serving others and advancing God's kingdom?
Prayer
God, help me to embrace even the smallest tasks with joy and gratitude, knowing that through them, I can spread Your love and advance Your kingdom. Guide me to seek wise and Spirit-filled individuals to share responsibilities with, fostering a sense of community and unity. May our hearts overflow with Your love as we serve others, reflecting Your light in a world that desperately needs it. Amen.