Another good man has left us to join You, Father. May his family find true peace in You, the Source of a peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7). Amen.
Acts 6:1-7 (<<click here to read the passage)
If anything makes me shudder it is division. For me, division anywhere is uncomfortable but, in the Church, it can be so counterproductive.
Unfortunately, division is a far too common occurrence in the Church. Growing up in a pastor’s home it was blatantly obvious what division could do. In all those years (from kindergarten through college), we never lived in one place for more than four years. For the most part, our moves were instigated by division.
Even in my own experience (I was a Minister of Music, then a Minister of Youth and Music), division took place. My times of service were cut short because one group of people had vastly different ideas of how things should work than other groups.
Where I currently serve has had very little division and I have joyfully served, the one congregation in particular, for 20 years this summer! Unity is far more productive!
In today’s passage, the Church was a relative newborn, with believers full of the Holy Spirit and all that came with Him, still, a crack of division began.
An internal problem developed…between the Hebrew-speaking Christians (probably local Jews who had been converted) and the Greek-speaking Christians (probably Jews from other lands who had been converted at Pentecost). The Greek-speaking Christians complained that their widows were being unfairly treated. This favoritism was probably not intentional but was more likely caused by the language barrier.*
The thing is, it was soundly and mindfully addressed. And because the apostles did so, bathing it in prayer and placing only the best individuals in responsibility, they were able to move forward whole and holy.
Keep in mind that these upstanding men were the cream of the crop in their service to the Lord. The Twelve insisted that seven men be chosen and that they be men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity] and full of the Spirit and of wisdom… v3 It helped greatly, too, that by their names we can tell they spoke Greek.
Interestingly enough, these esteemed men – and honestly there were! – were chosen to serve tables and manage the distribution of food enabling the apostles to continue teaching the word of God… v2 There was no jealousy or haughtiness involved, they were all out to serve their Lord in whatever capacity needed.
Lord Jesus, we know that quite often division is unavoidable. But seeking the guidance and direction of Your Holy Spirit can stop it dead in its tracks. Doing so allows us to address the issues at hand and move forward stronger than ever!
*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation
Feb 16th, 2022, Wed, 7:00 pm
