Good morning, friends.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 6:5, “And the saying pleased the whole multitude.”
It’s no guarantee that when an issue arises, and a solution is agreed upon, that all parties involved will be happy with the decision. Just because there was consensus as to what needed to be done doesn’t mean that everyone had to like it. And of course, the larger the crowd affected, the greater the chance for grumbling. So when the disciples decreed what the new procedures would be to make sure that all the widows were taken care of, it might have been expected that not everyone was going to rave about it. Au contraire. Luke tells us that the whole multitude was pleased. And the new modus operandi was not a simple tweak like extending the distribution hours or opening up new locations to better minister to the women. No, this situation called for some serious adjustments of people and priorities. In summary, the twelve declared that the complaint by the Hellenists against the Hebrews was worth addressing, but they were not going to be the ones taking care of it. They did, however, lay out the criteria for who was going to administer the distribution going forward, and they put it on the people to seek out among their own the seven men who met the qualifications. Further, the twelve would continue on spiritually leading the flock, and when the masses had chosen the candidates, the disciples would assess them and set them apart for ministry if so inclined.
On review, one might be inclined to feel slightly put-on by the seemingly heavy-handedness of the twelve disciples. The conversation is mighty one-sided, that’s for sure. But something was present that protected the unity of the believers and prevented discord from getting a foothold. I believe that something was the power of the Holy Spirit and the manner in which He manifested Himself among the followers of Jesus. He burdened the twelve to give themselves to prayer and the Word. He gave them clarity in assessing the conflict and devising a solution. He instilled in the people a respect for God’s chosen authority, and He blessed the seven with hearts willing to serve in their new role. Now, like then, situations will arise. But our God of peace is able to navigate the waters and keep us together through them. If, that is, we will submit ourselves to His Spirit.
As we seek Him today, let God be the decision maker and problem solver, and set your heart on serving Him and preserving unity.
Have a fantastic weekend.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
