The growth of the Church was becoming an issue. As people were living in the community of faith, they were beginning to suffer growing pains. Chief among those issues, was the distribution of daily food and necessities. The Apostles started the leadership of that oversight, but as the body of believers grew, those administrative duties were becoming overwhelming, and people were inadvertently being left out.
So, the Apostles asked for Godly men with servant hearts to be placed in that role of administration. Seven men were brought forward for ordination. Everyone was pleased with the choice. Interestingly, while the 7 men were drafted as administrators, they were also bold men of God. We will see in the days ahead that these men would impact the growth and spread of the gospel in major ways. But, for now, they would alleviate community issues that were slowing the Gospel’s spread.
God calls many of us into servant roles. As we trust and follow Him to do those things for which we are called, He can then use us in bigger and more amazing ways. Jesus set the example by washing the disciples’ feet. It is the willingness to take on any role without need for acclimation or credit that frees us to be used in mighty ways by our Lord. Like these men, we only need to be willing to follow God’s lead, to be used in mighty ways. Jesus said it best, “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” Matthew 26:20. The Seven Deacons would help the spread of the Gospel reach around the globe, all the time by simply serving others. How about us?
God Bless You!
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists[a] arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers,[b] pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Walking With God 