Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, … 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
There came a time in the early church where the Apostles could not do both the practical helps work and be dedicated to the ministry before God. Their solution was to appoint seven men to take responsibility for the practical work, allowing them to remain dedicated to the ministry of the word and prayer.
But these were not simply willing workers that they chose. It is interesting that they chose men who had the qualifications of being “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”.
1. To be full of the Holy Spirit is the minimum requirement God sets for people to be consistently used and by Him and effective in His kingdom.
To be full of the Holy Spirit is to be led by the Holy Spirit, to be in tune with the things of the Spirit.
Too often, even in church circles to our shame, we marginalise and neglect the things of the Spirit. Other skills are important. Abilities are important. Gifts are important. But none of those things can cover over a lack in the area of spiritual wakefulness that comes only by the Holy Spirit.
Do we seek people firstly for their gifts and abilities? Or do we firstly seek people who are full of the Spirit.
People full of the Holy Spirit are inclined to grow in God, mature and produce fruit.
2. They needed to people of wisdom. Why did they need wisdom? Because these were people taking on important responsibility. Responsibility requires people who will commit to doing what is right because the benefit of others depends on it.
Life is seldom simple and straight forward. Things rarely pan out as we expect. Because of this simple situations can quickly become complex and complex situations require wise solutions. Whilst the apostles were praying, they needed people who could keep the things of the ministry moving without getting bogged down in complex problems. They needed wise people.
Wisdom shows us what is the right thing to do at the right time. The ministry work of the kingdom always requires the right decisions to be made and the right actions to be taken at the right time. It requires wise people do it’s work.
PRAYER: Lord, fill me today with the fullness of your Spirit and enable me to grow in wisdom. I ask it in Jesus name, Amen
