Scripture – “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 NIV
Observation – As the church grew conflict arose because some widows were being fed and others were overlooked. The disciples decided it wouldn’t be right to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to “wait on tables” so they chose seven men to be responsible for this task. This result of this solution was the widows were taken care of, the word of God spread, the number of disciples increased rapidly and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Application – What area of your life requires more attention? Are there things that need to be done, that affect others if neglected, that you don’t have time to do, or if you did them it would negatively impact your other responsibilities? The solution may be asking for help and giving others more responsibility. The results of the disciples’ delegation of this task was significant. Who can you work with today to make sure your family, church and customers are being taken care of? What results are you forfeiting by not pursuing healthy well thought out solutions?
Prayer – Dear Jesus, thank you for this story that shows us how important it is to work together.
What are you doing? Do it better 