Daily Bread 2010 -Acts 6
Daily Bread 2010
Acts 6
The Choosing of the Seven
1In 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. 2So 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. 3Brothers, 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 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5This 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. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
As we see the early church growing in numbers, the practical need of taking care of the Grecian Jewish widows was being neglected. Rather than being “all things to all people”, the leaders chose 7 responsible and spiritually mature leaders to meet this concrete need.
As we look at what the apostles focused on, it was primarily two things: prayer and the ministry of the word (presumably the study, teaching and preaching of God’s Word). Notice despite the huge growth in numbers, the key leaders did not try to manage it all by themselves, but were able to focus on what was the most important thing, their own spiritual connection with God and Jesus.
Now, of course, it doesn’t mean feeding hungry widows is not a spiritual endeavor, but the early apostles knew that they could not neglect two of the most important disciplines, being in the Word and attending to prayer.
So often we get so busy in the church, especially leaders, and what are the first things to go? Being a spiritual leader means that you yourself are being fed first and foremost. For how can you feed anybody else unless you are being fed by being in God’s Word and then engaging in prayer over what God is calling you to do and be as a shepherd of the flock.
Prayer: God help us to not neglect being in Your Word and being in prayer if we hope to lead your Church. We know that unless we spend time nurturing our relationship with you as Jesus did, we will not be able to accomplish anything meaningful. Protect us from those things that distract us from these two things. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Acts 6
The Choosing of the Seven
1In 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. 2So 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. 3Brothers, 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 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5This 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. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
As we see the early church growing in numbers, the practical need of taking care of the Grecian Jewish widows was being neglected. Rather than being “all things to all people”, the leaders chose 7 responsible and spiritually mature leaders to meet this concrete need.
As we look at what the apostles focused on, it was primarily two things: prayer and the ministry of the word (presumably the study, teaching and preaching of God’s Word). Notice despite the huge growth in numbers, the key leaders did not try to manage it all by themselves, but were able to focus on what was the most important thing, their own spiritual connection with God and Jesus.
Now, of course, it doesn’t mean feeding hungry widows is not a spiritual endeavor, but the early apostles knew that they could not neglect two of the most important disciplines, being in the Word and attending to prayer.
So often we get so busy in the church, especially leaders, and what are the first things to go? Being a spiritual leader means that you yourself are being fed first and foremost. For how can you feed anybody else unless you are being fed by being in God’s Word and then engaging in prayer over what God is calling you to do and be as a shepherd of the flock.
Prayer: God help us to not neglect being in Your Word and being in prayer if we hope to lead your Church. We know that unless we spend time nurturing our relationship with you as Jesus did, we will not be able to accomplish anything meaningful. Protect us from those things that distract us from these two things. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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