“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.” Acts 6:2
Full Scripture Reading: Acts 6: 1-7
Today’s Thought:
I spent 8 years serving in a variety of restaurants from McDonalds in the drivethrough all the way up to 5-Star world cuisine restaurants, the fancy of fancy. In these settings I served a variety of people: those who were appreciative of the service and the time I provided, those who expected my service because they were paying customers, those who took advantage of my service and those who looked down on me because I was serving them. It is in this industry that I learned the most about what it meant to serve others. Here is the key lesson that I learned, it is not about how I am treated, it is about how I loved each and every one of the people I served no matter the outcome of the relationship.
The word “serve” in scripture means more than just to wait tables. The word means both to serve and to “minister.” That’s right, it means to care for, listen to, embrace and walk with those who are next to you. This word in scripture is also meant to always have action based on our relationship with God, it goes so much deeper. Biblically, to serve, means to be the hands and feet of God in the midst of peoples lives. To serve means to demonstrate the grace we have been given.
The disciples in the text above are starting the early church and they are working to understand how to serve all those in need and still be in the word! They began to appoint people to serve the needs of the community! Incredible idea. In order to live this out we need to understand what the needs are. Do you know the needs in your community? Where would you serve? Who would you raise up to serve with you? More importantly, who would you minister to?
Today’s Prayer:
Let us pray.
Heavenly and gracious God, we are here to serve you. We are here to serve your mission in this world. Please send us to meet the needs of this community where they are present. If those needs are hidden, reveal them. If the needs are numerous, surround us with the people to lift up those needs. Lord, build in me a courageous heart to truly live out the Gospel message of loving our neighbor. In these we pray, in your holy and precious name. And all God’s people said, AMEN.
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