Daily duties left undone, more needs than were being met. Widows in the early church were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. Some of the apostles were appointed to “preaching…prayer and the ministry of the word,” (Acts 6:2,4) while others to serve. Their assignment was blessed with prayer.
In verse 8, Stephen, one of the waiters, “full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. [They] could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” His subsequent speech (Acts 7:2-53) was one of the most articulate and bold recorded in the Bible.
Menial tasks never diminish our capacity to be used by God. Jesus Himself, “the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve.” Matthew 20:28
“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Taking a towel, [he] tied it around his waist, and began to wash the disciples’ feet.” John 13:1,4,5
“Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly, give yourself to humble tasks. Never be conceited.” Romans 12:16
“How beautiful the hands that serve the wine and the bread, and the sons of the earth; How beautiful the feet that bring The sound of good news, and the love of the King; How beautiful is the the body of Christ.” – Twila Paris
Whatever You assign me today, Lord, may I be “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3) and “work heartily, as for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)
