Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Deuteronomy 25 -27; Acts 6
seven decons – acts 6:1-7
About that time, while the number of disciples continued to increase, a complaint arose. Greek-speaking disciples accused the Aramaic-speaking disciples because their widows were being overlooked in the daily food service.2 The Twelve called a meeting of all the disciples and said, “It isn’t right for us to set aside proclamation of God’s word in order to serve tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, carefully choose seven well-respected men from among you. They must be well-respected and endowed by the Spirit with exceptional wisdom. We will put them in charge of this concern. 4 As for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and the service of proclaiming the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the entire community. They selected Stephen, a man endowed by the Holy Spirit with exceptional faith, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 The community presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 God’s word continued to grow. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased significantly. Even a large group of priests embraced the faith.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
The early church community was a worshiping community. By worshiping community, I mean a community that is focused on ‘Loving God and others.’ Both love for God, in God’s Word and devotion, and love for others have to be well balanced.
The problem happened when the early church lost its balance. The apostles, who were the teachers of the Word, were occupied in service, they were not able to deeply emerge themselves in loving God. Does it mean that they were not called to love others? No, they were. I believe they continued to love others, by not being distracted from their time and effort to love God. In the same way, because they selected seven deacons, did it mean the decons were the only ones who served others, by abandoning the love of God? No, they were people selected by the Holy Spirit and ones who had exceptional faith. Would they abandon their love of God, learning and praying according to the Word, with their service?
We are called to have both. We are called for a delicate balance. It is not easy, and that is why we need the Holy Spirit to fill us up everyday.
Prayer
Lord, it is your will that we should focus and follow. Help us to see your will, today. In the name of Jesus, we pray, AMEN.
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