Thursday, June 2, 2016
Acts 6:3-4 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
FEED MY CHILDREN
Even after Easter, Ascension Day, and Pentecost, after all the rejoicing and wonderful hours of instruction at the Risen Savior's feet -- after all of that, there were still difficulties in the lives of the early Christians. This time the trouble was over the distribution of offerings gathered for the poor Christian widows.
Apparently it was work that was first undertaken by the apostles themselves. But there were so many in need that some of the widows were missed, or at least that's what the grumblers thought. The apostles did not discuss who was at fault. Nor were they outraged that their concern for the poor was questioned. There was a real need and they dealt with that.
But as important as the work of the deacons was, there was something even more important. The apostles said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables." Nothing that got in the way of that life-giving work was worth it!
So the deacons were chosen. And the outcome? Was the bread distributed more equally? Luke reports: "So the word of God spread." That was the most important thing that happened. Meals are soon over; money soon spent. But the resurrection and the life continue eternally.
And that is what you have to share -- now and for the rest of your life -- with your friends and acquaintances, children and adults, any whom the Lord may bring into your sphere.
