Gathering Together – Part 2

Devotional Contributor: Therese Nehrt

“Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. . . This proposal pleased the whole group. . . They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So, the word of God spread. . .” Acts 6:3-7

When we think of gathering together, we can sometimes focus on how we are blessed. But it is also important to recognize how we bless others. Did you know that you are an important piece of the puzzle? Without you, there is something missing from the body of Christ. 

I have always felt like the scripture above was sort of boring. You know – just taking care of business. But the Lord is always intentional about what He includes in the word. There was a reason He described the situation, listed the men involved, and gave some specific descriptions. If you read the entire passage, you will notice that those listed were not even all Jewish. They were a varied group from different positions and walks of life. And their work greatly increased the impact the church had on the city. 

The Kingdom is not a one man show, it is a body. When Paul said, “The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you. . .” he meant in no uncertain terms that each part of the body is irreplaceable. There is no other ‘you.’ No one else has exactly what you have. No one else can do for the body what you can do. 

It can sometimes be easy to think, ‘It doesn’t matter if I show up, everything will be fine without me.’  It can appear that is true, we still see ministry happening. But is it all that God would have had for that day? We often feel that others are more gifted, more talented, or can do it all anyway. But perhaps today was the day He just needed something simple from us. That kind word, or smile for the person that no one else notices. Maybe it is just holding a baby during service, or cleaning up the kitchen after the café closes.

Every time that thought has tried to enter my mind, the Lord has given me that one small thing to do. I am always astonished at what He can do with it.