ACTS 6:1-3
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
TO PONDER
Do you have a job description? Have you ever had one? That list of tasks you are required to perform as part of your job. A job description outlines for you, the worker, what you will need to do to carry out your job correctly. It is a document your employer can use to reprimand you when you are not pulling your weight, but it can also be a helpful tool when you are asked to do something that falls outside your roles and responsibilities. This is what the disciples are doing here in the early church. They have been presented with a problem, those in need are missing out on the offering, there is no-one allocated to ensure they receive their food. It might have been easy for the 12 to jump on the task and make it right, however this was not the job they were being asked to perform. Jesus had given them a specific task to perform, the ministry of the Word of God. They wanted to stay faithful to their calling, to their job description and so they instead asked for others to be assigned the task. The job was important, however it was not theirs to perform. What is God calling you to? Are you doing it, or are you too busy doing other important things that keep you from your specific God-ordained task? Don’t be afraid to take steps so you can step away from something in order to complete the job God is calling you to.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank you that just like the disciples you have given me important tasks to perform in your church and in your world. Help me to discern where you want me work, and give me the strength and courage to step out of tasks, even if they are important, if they are not where you want me to be. In your name I pray, Amen.