Friday, October 5: Acts 6 - Problems in the ranks.

One of the aspects of the Bible that I appreciate is the honest appraisal of humanity and especially of people seeking after God. They are not perfect. As exciting as the early days of the church seem, they did have their problems. Persecutions from the outside and disputes within the ranks.

Here we see racial/ethnic issues careening to the surface. Greek-speaking verse, Hebrew-speaking factions, and not treating each other with love and respect.

Honestly, this situation had the potential of splitting the church, but it didn’t because the leaders –the apostles– nipped it and dealt with it quickly, decisively and lovingly. The Gospel works!

The apostles’ took the problem on. They knew divisions of this sort were not in line with Jesus’ teachings. Let’s face it, the Twelve were anything BUT a homogeneous group. Tax collectors and zealots, for example, were polar opposites on the political spectrum of Israel! Certainly they had to work through some personal and cultural differences as they traveled with Jesus.

They knew Jesus didn’t play favorites and they weren’t about to start… so they dealt with the issue in a decisive, sensitive (the names of the 7 are Greek, which must have spoken volumes to the Greek speaking widows who were being overlooked) and kingdom advancing manner!

As I allow this account to circle and ruminate in my thoughts, it occurs to me that we need to saturate our lives with the love and teaching of Jesus and then take on issues as they arise from that position. Grace and truth… the love and teachings of Jesus…

Lord, as I face problems and issues in family, work and church circles, may I show the wisdom of the Apostles. Wisdom that recognizes when some thing is out of sorts with your will and way and wisdom, that it knows how to apply your love and teachings, truth and grace, to bring about a solution that You desire and delight in. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

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