By David ReayTuesday 12 Jul 2022LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” (NLT)
An incident happened in a church a few years ago when a lady had to set out some chairs for a meeting in the facilities. She asked the office secretary if some of the ministry students sitting nearby could help her. She was told that was not their job: they were preparing bible studies and praying together.
Which is not quite how we should apply the passage for today! It was wise for the apostles to sort out some administrative matters and do some delegation. No one can do everything, and each person has their proper priorities. But this did not mean they dismissed the food distribution as being unimportant. Perhaps we could even speculate that they did contribute to the running of it in some way.
It was simply rearranging priorities. Feeding the hungry was vital, so too was prayer and preaching. Feeding the hungry was entrusted to wise and godly people, not just anyone. It is not as if a preacher is more important in God’s eyes than someone who serves food to the needy. In our day, it is not as if being a theologically trained teacher is a worthier calling than other callings. Being a pastor/teacher is not everyone’s calling, and is not to be coveted in a way that sees it as uniquely privileged.
Much ministry is mundane, much involves practical effort. Those whose calling is to teach and preach can still afford to help with putting out chairs!
Blessings,
David