The story so far…
The Church has exploded; thousands are being added, powerful miracles and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit has been met with persecution and suspicion from the religious leaders.
However, the Church continues to grow…
Reading: Acts 6
At the beginning of this chapter we are reminded again that the Church is continuing to grow, but quickly we read that a problem has arisen out of this unprecedented growth.
A very practical problem.
Hellenistic widows have been overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
Not only is this a very practical problem, but if ignored, it has the potential to drive a wedge between two groups, of different cultural heritage, within the Church; the Hellenistic and the Hebraic Jews.
Not good.
The Church was heading to new levels, but these new levels were bringing new challenges, new obstacles, new problems and new opposition.
The twelve apostles, quickly realised that this was a problem that they themselves were not the answer to. They realised that if they became the answer, then they would be forsaking the fruit they were called to produce for God’s Kingdom.
Distraction loomed, but they chose wisely.
When we go to new levels as a Church or in our faith, there will always be things which will try and distract us from what God has purposed for us. Sometimes these distractions are not bad things – this was a legitimate problem that needed a solution! However, the apostles knew that they couldn’t shift their focus; their priorities had to be in order.
As we read the rest of the chapter, we see the result of their decision; the Word of God spread and the number of disciples increased rapidly.
Result!
Questions to consider
What has God called me to do?
What things could distract me from producing fruit for God’s Kingdom?
Let’s be a Church that recognises distractions and constantly pursues God and His Kingdom.
Contributed by Ps Jonny