Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

22 June 2025

Reading From Acts 6

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jewsamong 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 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

—Acts 6:1-4

     The first century Church was not perfect.  There is a temptation to put those early believers on a pedestal and romanticize this time period, but Scripture shows us that they were far from flawless.  The Spirit and the flesh wrestled within them the same as with us.  One of the struggles they had was a problem of prejudice between people of differing backgrounds as they shared food with one another.  The apostles saw the issue and acted with wisdom to find a solution that brought both greater efficiency and unity in a chaotic and divisive situation.  How we need the Lord’s wisdom in similar matters in our churches today!

     The seven individuals who were appointed by the Twelve became the first deacons, a term which in Greek means a minister who serves.  It is remarkable to me that in this case the ministry was a very practical one of distributing food to the believers in a more equitable and streamlined manner and yet the qualifications were deeply spiritual.  They should be “full of the Spirit and wisdom.”  This tells me that no matter what the ministry is, whether preaching from the pulpit to cleaning the church building to serving food at a potluck, we need to ask for the Spirit to fill us with us with the power, passion and insight needed to accomplish whatever task He has for us.

“God, thank You for not only showing us the way forward, but blessing us with the power, protection and provision we need for the journey.  Bring us together in unity regardless of the diverse backgrounds we come from.  I pray that we would look to the needs of others rather than ourselves and work to find solutions to similar problems in our modern context.  In Your Name I pray, Amen.”

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

—Acts 4:32-35

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

—Colossians 3:23-24