November 27, 2022
Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8 NLT)
Stephen was one of the original deacons. As far as we know, that was the job he held when he was martyred in Chapter 7. The congregation selected him because he was “well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom (v. 3).” He was known as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (v. 5). His job description included serving food to needy widows, especially making sure that it was done in a way that was fair to everyone, not just Hebrew-speakers (V. 1).
As with every job in the Church, there was an overarching purpose to this seemingly mundane assignment. It was a task that needed to be done, providing for the widows was recognized as a responsibility of the fellowship of believers. It was also a task that needed to be done by someone other than the apostles, “So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program (Acts 6:2 NLT).” They knew they should “spend our time in prayer and teaching the word (v. 4).”
Here’s the point. Stephen was a regular guy, a good Christian who knew the Word, was full of the Spirit, and had a heart to serve. In the course of his service, he found opportunities to perform amazing miracles and signs. As we head to the assembly of God’s Church this morning, I encourage you to be alert. If you’re one who serves, keep your eyes open for chances to pray for people or encourage them in their faith. As part of the congregation, don’t approach the service as a theater production. Look at it as what it is: a manifestation of the body of Christ the Messiah. Signs come from every direction, not just the stars on the stage.
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