“’We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’” Acts 6:3b-4.
The leadership of the community of the followers of Jesus made a decision to turn aspects of the service within the community over to a group of people who could focus on specific duties assigned to them. In turn, the leaders could specifically focus on prayer, teaching, and preaching. It seems that, before, these leaders were active in all aspects of service within the community, and they realized that the community was suffering – the number of servers was not growing, while the number of those being served was. It was putting more time demands on the leadership, and they (and the community) needed relief. They realized that something was out of balance within the community, and they needed to make the appropriate changes to bring about proper balance.
Proper balance is certainly a challenge for anyone who senses that they are on a mission to accomplish something. I find that, when I get focused on a particular aspect of my work for too long, I sometimes get out of balance in other aspects of my life. Perhaps my prayer life pays the price, or I do not get the rest or exercise that I need. We all know that when a car tire gets out of balance, the whole car seems not to be performing well. The same is true for our lives. Even though our mission, whatever it may be, is important and life-giving, we must strive to maintain an optimum balance.
Questions to consider: Am I giving my attention to the right things? Am I seeking to have a balanced life or am I out of balance in an area? What do I need to do to walk in a balanced lifestyle in order to fulfill my mission in a more complete manner?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see if I am out of balance or not. Help me to make the decisions necessary to walk in a balanced lifestyle. Amen.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
June 19, 2008 - Acts 6:3a
“’Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.’” Acts 6:3a.
The need arose within the community of early followers of Jesus for a group of people to be chosen to do the specific job of service. This happened because of the growth that was happening within the community. So many new people were being added as followers of Jesus that new demands were being placed on the leadership, and they could no longer do all that was required. It was decided to have the community choose “seven men from among” them who met the specific qualifications required by the leadership. These men were to be known as people who were full of the Holy Spirit and full of the spiritual gift of wisdom.
The job that these seven were to perform were acts of service within the community, so it is interesting that they were not seeking people with the gift of service but, instead, the gift of wisdom. When looking for people in whom I can delegate, I try to select people with gifting in areas of need: servers in areas of service, administrators in areas of administration, and so forth. In reflecting on this verse, I am challenged to remember that I need not just look at natural gifting but also spiritual gifting. I have made some very poor choices by going with what I perceived to be natural gifting and not relying on the Holy Spirit to show me. And I have tended to make decisions by myself instead of rely on those around me. A couple of my challenges are to function in community and, at the same time, to trust the Holy Spirit working through those around me, when appropriate.
Questions to consider: Do you know anyone who is “full of the Spirit and wisdom?” What are they like? If you delegate responsibilities, do you just consider their natural abilities and gifts, or do you also consider their spiritual gifting?
Prayer: Father, help me to remember how You gift people, and help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit’s leading as I select people to carry particular responsibilities. Amen.
The need arose within the community of early followers of Jesus for a group of people to be chosen to do the specific job of service. This happened because of the growth that was happening within the community. So many new people were being added as followers of Jesus that new demands were being placed on the leadership, and they could no longer do all that was required. It was decided to have the community choose “seven men from among” them who met the specific qualifications required by the leadership. These men were to be known as people who were full of the Holy Spirit and full of the spiritual gift of wisdom.
The job that these seven were to perform were acts of service within the community, so it is interesting that they were not seeking people with the gift of service but, instead, the gift of wisdom. When looking for people in whom I can delegate, I try to select people with gifting in areas of need: servers in areas of service, administrators in areas of administration, and so forth. In reflecting on this verse, I am challenged to remember that I need not just look at natural gifting but also spiritual gifting. I have made some very poor choices by going with what I perceived to be natural gifting and not relying on the Holy Spirit to show me. And I have tended to make decisions by myself instead of rely on those around me. A couple of my challenges are to function in community and, at the same time, to trust the Holy Spirit working through those around me, when appropriate.
Questions to consider: Do you know anyone who is “full of the Spirit and wisdom?” What are they like? If you delegate responsibilities, do you just consider their natural abilities and gifts, or do you also consider their spiritual gifting?
Prayer: Father, help me to remember how You gift people, and help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit’s leading as I select people to carry particular responsibilities. Amen.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June 12, 2008 - Acts 6:1
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” Acts 6:1.
Just when things seemed to be going so well, controversy set in. The movement had withstood pressures from outside. They were able to stand in the face of persecution and punishment, and passed through to the other side. Now, this community was challenged by pressures from within their own ranks. The problem that arose focused on the lack of care given to the Grecian Jewish widows, who were being neglected in the distribution of food. Grecian Jews were people of Greek decent who had converted to Judaism, and had now become followers of the Messiah, Jesus, and were part of the ever-expanding community.
This neglect could have stemmed from prejudice, from being overwhelmed, or from some other cause, but it precipitated a potential crisis. Because the women were not being heard or cared for, it took some of the Grecian Jewish men to speak up and complain about the widows’ plight. This community was not perfect nor did they act as though they had to be perfect.
I am so glad that this community was not perfect, not that this excuses my own imperfections. Yet, I am encouraged that this account, and others like it, was included in the writings of the early Church. They were normal people – fellow strugglers – just like me and you. I find hope in how they worked through the situation to find an equitable solution; a solution that seemed right to the Holy Spirit.
Questions to consider: What conflicts are you facing today? Is there someone in your “community” that can help you find an equitable solution? How do you handle perfection?
Prayer: Father, give me wisdom to navigate the waters of conflict when they arise, and give me the courage to change when it is necessary. Amen.
Just when things seemed to be going so well, controversy set in. The movement had withstood pressures from outside. They were able to stand in the face of persecution and punishment, and passed through to the other side. Now, this community was challenged by pressures from within their own ranks. The problem that arose focused on the lack of care given to the Grecian Jewish widows, who were being neglected in the distribution of food. Grecian Jews were people of Greek decent who had converted to Judaism, and had now become followers of the Messiah, Jesus, and were part of the ever-expanding community.
This neglect could have stemmed from prejudice, from being overwhelmed, or from some other cause, but it precipitated a potential crisis. Because the women were not being heard or cared for, it took some of the Grecian Jewish men to speak up and complain about the widows’ plight. This community was not perfect nor did they act as though they had to be perfect.
I am so glad that this community was not perfect, not that this excuses my own imperfections. Yet, I am encouraged that this account, and others like it, was included in the writings of the early Church. They were normal people – fellow strugglers – just like me and you. I find hope in how they worked through the situation to find an equitable solution; a solution that seemed right to the Holy Spirit.
Questions to consider: What conflicts are you facing today? Is there someone in your “community” that can help you find an equitable solution? How do you handle perfection?
Prayer: Father, give me wisdom to navigate the waters of conflict when they arise, and give me the courage to change when it is necessary. Amen.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
June 5, 2008 - Acts 5:42
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 5:42.
This growing band of followers of Jesus met whenever they could. They gathered in the temple courts and in the homes of fellow followers. They had boldness in telling the story of Jesus to any and to all who would listen. After coming through a period of suffering at the hands of the religious authorities, they entered into a time of excitement and growth. Even though they were still ordered not to proclaim this name, the followers of Jesus spoke out in the open to anyone who would listen, “teaching and proclaiming” the good news that the Messiah had come. It must have been an exciting time.
The seriousness of their commitment to follow Jesus had been tested. God had used the religious authorities to forge this small band into fully devoted and committed followers. They demonstrated that they would walk through any trial or physical torture and stay true to their Master, Jesus. Their passion and fire had come to the surface, and it was white hot with energy that was now generating a fresh excitement for gathering and proclaiming the good news concerning Jesus. They were serious!
I am challenged to consider how white hot – how passionate – I am about following Jesus. I must admit that I have never been persecuted or tortured because of my faith in Jesus as they had, so I am not certain whether I would be able to stand firm in its face. And I am additionally challenged to consider where my passions are. Do I love Jesus and something or someone else? How sold out am I, for I know that if I am not sold out, it could be less likely that I will stand firm in the face of trial.
Questions to consider: Where do my passions lie? Am I so excited about my Master that I would withstand whatever slander, ostracizing, or persecution that comes my way? How sold out am I for Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be sold out for You? Help me to not have any divided loyalties, so that I can be a fully devoted follower of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
This growing band of followers of Jesus met whenever they could. They gathered in the temple courts and in the homes of fellow followers. They had boldness in telling the story of Jesus to any and to all who would listen. After coming through a period of suffering at the hands of the religious authorities, they entered into a time of excitement and growth. Even though they were still ordered not to proclaim this name, the followers of Jesus spoke out in the open to anyone who would listen, “teaching and proclaiming” the good news that the Messiah had come. It must have been an exciting time.
The seriousness of their commitment to follow Jesus had been tested. God had used the religious authorities to forge this small band into fully devoted and committed followers. They demonstrated that they would walk through any trial or physical torture and stay true to their Master, Jesus. Their passion and fire had come to the surface, and it was white hot with energy that was now generating a fresh excitement for gathering and proclaiming the good news concerning Jesus. They were serious!
I am challenged to consider how white hot – how passionate – I am about following Jesus. I must admit that I have never been persecuted or tortured because of my faith in Jesus as they had, so I am not certain whether I would be able to stand firm in its face. And I am additionally challenged to consider where my passions are. Do I love Jesus and something or someone else? How sold out am I, for I know that if I am not sold out, it could be less likely that I will stand firm in the face of trial.
Questions to consider: Where do my passions lie? Am I so excited about my Master that I would withstand whatever slander, ostracizing, or persecution that comes my way? How sold out am I for Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be sold out for You? Help me to not have any divided loyalties, so that I can be a fully devoted follower of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
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