If you were told to choose wise men or women to help you out, would you first look for those who are educated, or would wise character be on your radar too? I think character goes first if I were choosing. Merciful, loving, and humble ways rise above someone with smarts. I know it depends on what the help is needed for, but in ministry, a team that exhibits the fruit of the Spirit is of high importance when choosing.
The early church was growing but the widows were being neglected. So the apostles decided they needed some help with the ministry. “They chose seven men among them who were full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6: 3) One of the men chosen was Stephen, who was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. These men were presented to the apostles who prayed and laid their hands on them.
“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” (Acts 6: 8) Opposition arose from members of the synagogue. “These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” (Acts 6: 9-10) One of the men arguing with Stephen may have been Saul from Tarsus.
- Godly Wisdom comes from the Spirit. It’s different than human wisdom.
Stephen had been proclaiming that worship of God was no longer to be restricted to the temple. These argumentative men “Secretly persuaded some other men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” (Acts 6: 11)
Now the questioning begins! They accused Stephen of saying, “Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” (Acts 6: 14) The charges against him were similar to the charges brought against Jesus. As he was testifying, Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel, as they were intently looking at him.
Job’s face was not looking like the face of an angel, for his spirit was broken. He was looking for relief and for some good counsel, saying, “Come on, all of you, try again! I will not find a wise man among you. My days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart.” (Acts 17: 10-11)
- Shattered plans and dreams make us lose hope.
- Wise, comforting words from Jesus, restore hope.
Job hasn’t seen yet the blessings that come from obedience. When we are in our trial, do we see the end from the beginning? He knows what we will go through and what will be left behind us. He promises, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord our God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28: 1)
- Obedience releases blessings. It positions you higher.
Our obedience to the work of God’s Kingdom shall be rewarded. There is power in unity, those of one mind and one heart. Both are important in a union.
In the days ahead, our God is forming a union in the Spirit, that cannot be separated. Leaders are gaining laser-sharp vision, to see like never before. The eyes of the Spirit shall override natural vision. The larger picture shall be seen and felt. It will no longer be about “me and mine,” but about “He and His,” His kingdom! We are coming together as one, for the One, and for no one else, but the ONLY One.
- Building the Kingdom will be a group effort, not a single man’s sport.
Growing together in Kingdom work brings unity among the church.
- If we need help, ask.
- If we feel weary, appoint.
- If we are overwhelmed, disperse.
- If we are a visionary, write the vision, make it plain.
- Those that God chooses us to align with, we shall be assigned with.
Who are you to be in an alliance with? Alliances are being formed, as the army is being assembled. Army? Yes, the army of God!
- God wants to assign and align, let Him!
- A spiritual union that is formed by the Lord is a kinship.
- A kinship is a blood relationship, (a sisterhood and brotherhood), secured by the relationship of the blood of the Lamb, Jesus!
Our union with Him shall be a reestablished union with one another. It’s reunion time! There is no need to go out and buy a new outfit to impress someone. The time of impressing is over. Unity commands His blessing! Choose wisely, by choosing kindred
(Acts 6, Job 17, Deuteronomy 28, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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