Memorize: Providing deacons ends injustice
Key Verses: 1, 7, 15
Injustice can happen when people get involved in the process. But justice can be approached as well. The two groups of Jews have been divided because of years of prejudice. And even the Church was blind to some of the implications of this history and how it got worked out in practical life. Widows were not being equally treated. So the Apostles get pulled into their dispute. They trust the Apostles to do this fairly, but the Apostles recognize that they have other things for which they are uniquely qualified that they must do. So they delegate this important task to people-chosen leaders. When this happens, justice happens, and many more come to faith. Finally as system that works!
Deacons are individuals chosen by a group of people to help with the practical side of ministry. This then frees the teaching people to teach. You can’t ‘hire’ people to do ministry. We can each step up into the place of ministry to which God calls us, and be faithful in fulfilling that ministry. To put this in modern terms, we need many more volunteers to each carry a very small load in order to free up some people who have been carrying a very large load. The problem is that we ‘hire’ people to do things, things that we ourselves should be doing, and can be doing. We have become consumers of Christ and not followers of Christ. Followers get involved, while consumers sit at the sidelines and watch.
Stephen starts with the ministry of food distribution and grows to become someone used by God to perform miracles. He becomes powerful in sharing Jesus’ message and becomes an object of hatred and opposition. If we are faithful in the little ministries, perhaps God will grow you into greater ministries. Servants willing to do the small tasks without getting in the way of the Holy Spirit can be trusted to do greater things without getting in His way.
REVIEW: Focus on the first Chapter Phrases in Acts.
The Arnold Journey 