Crucial Ministry of Serving

Scripture:

1 During those days the number of Jesus’ followers kept multiplying greatly. But a complaint was brought against those who spoke Aramaic by the Greek-speaking Jews, who felt their widows were being overlooked during the daily distribution of food. 2 The twelve apostles called a meeting of all the believers and told them, “It is not advantageous for us to be pulled away from the Word of God to wait on tables. 3 Make sure they are honorable, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will give them the responsibility of this crucial ministry of serving. 4 That will enable us to give our full attention to prayer and preaching the word of God.” 5 Everyone in the church loved this idea. So they chose seven men. One of them was Stephen, who was known as a man full of faith and overflowing with the Holy Spirit. Along with him they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas from Antioch, who had converted to Judaism. 6 All seven stood before the apostles, who laid their hands on them and prayed for them, commissioning them to this ministry. (Acts 6:1-6 The Passion) What busy and exciting time this was! Many were hearing the apostles speak and teach, and those who believed were multiplying greatly. Add to that, it seems that they had some kind of food pantry for the widows. Who was going to do the serving? This brought up a decision that needed to be made…and they followed through to make that decision. The crucial ministry of serving was now seen as a need. But they did not choose just anyone to do this ministry. They chose honorable, full of the Holy Spirt and wisdom men. Let us remember this today as we thank God for all those that serve so faithfully. It is honorable to serve, and serving is a crucial ministry! Thank You, Father, that this is so true today. Thank You for those who serve faithfully. Thank You for allowing me to serve in various ways. You are so good! AMEN I will just go ahead and give my God thanks for all the glorious things He has done! I will go ahead and worship Him and tell about His wonders! I will seek more of His strength! I will seek more of Him! Psalm 105
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