Scripture: Acts 6:1-7
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.
Observation: A need arises in the community because of the Holy Spirit's disturbing the reality of the community. The 12 decided they didn't want to wait tables and rather dedicated themselves to prayer and teaching. they decide to invite this opportunity and give away their leadership for the purpose of the need that arises.
Application: As a person in pastoral leadership, I hear the apostles drawing a line in what they are about and giving their leadership away. Brilliant. This is the opposite of pruning. It is giving away ministry to others who are capable of leading. Brilliant!
This has stirred me. The question that is stirring is not what I can give away but what are the important foci of what God is drawing me into?
Prayer: Lord help me give away opportunities for the needs that arise, but mostly Lord help me hear what is important for me to be spending my time.
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too.
Observation: A need arises in the community because of the Holy Spirit's disturbing the reality of the community. The 12 decided they didn't want to wait tables and rather dedicated themselves to prayer and teaching. they decide to invite this opportunity and give away their leadership for the purpose of the need that arises.
Application: As a person in pastoral leadership, I hear the apostles drawing a line in what they are about and giving their leadership away. Brilliant. This is the opposite of pruning. It is giving away ministry to others who are capable of leading. Brilliant!
This has stirred me. The question that is stirring is not what I can give away but what are the important foci of what God is drawing me into?
Prayer: Lord help me give away opportunities for the needs that arise, but mostly Lord help me hear what is important for me to be spending my time.
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