Calling All Advocates For Righteousness

I keep coming across Acts Ch. 6 in my studies and conversation. Today I thought to meditate on it some more. It raises a very relevant message to the church. A message that says we need to be advocates for righteousness.

Acts 6
1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

The Grecian Jews felt their widows were being neglected of the daily benevolent offering being given to the Hebrew widows. In a sense, were being denied their welfare benefits because of their heritage and background. So they brought an accusation of discrimination to the attention of the apostles (vs. 1) for a resolution.

While deeply troubled over the accusations being raised, the apostles needed to take a hands off approach. They realized making a personal address to every issue in the church, would leave them with little time to focus on preaching the gospel to those that were still living in darkness. So, it was necessary to delegate this responsibility to persons that were equally capable of resolving delicate situations with a loving and powerful hand.

And so it was, that names were submitted and prayed over and a faithful man of God called Stephen was appointed the task among others as well (vs.5). Stephen is noted for accepting this awesome responsibility and engaging it with a fervor for God. He accomplished great wonders and miracles among the people being faithful and endowed with the Holy Ghost.

As I think on this scripture, I am reminded that the things we do for God are achieved only through our faith in God. Often times we run to others hoping they will resolve matters of concern. Perhaps we feel they are better qualified or more spiritually equipped to address matters of difficulty. Too often the pastor is sought after to be the advocate for all situations.

This scripture, however, is a sounding alarm to the body of believers and leaders within the church. We must all stand against wrong doing and learn to resolve matters with the love and power of Christ. It can't always fall on the plate of the preacher.

As believers and leaders in Christ, be encouraged. Christ said in John 15:7 "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you". If we simply avail ourselves to the will of God and ask for His guidance in all situations it shall be granted to us.

King Solomon was the wisest of men. In Proverbs 3:5-6 King Solomon tells us to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

What makes King Solomons instruction so powerful is understanding how he came to be so wise. Solomon being the heir to the throne of David, prayed to God for wisdom above all else. Being so young and taking on so great a kingdom, Solomon didn't want to ruin all that his father accomplished. He also didn't want to be perceived as an unfit king because of his youth. So, he asked God to bless him with wisdom and by God's wisdom Solomon obtained great wealth and he increased the kingdom of Israel. His wealth was so great, it had to be stored in treasures at sea.

Sure there are things that seem insurmountable to us but, with Christ we can remove mountains. Even the stones of discrimination and mistreatment that lie in the hearts of men. Be blessed and prosper.