April 27th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON ACTS 

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Acts 6:1-4 “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 

God gave the apostles the gifts necessary to carry out their work of “making disciples of all nations.” As more and more people became Christians there was simply more needing to be done within the “body of Christ, the church.” So that the needs of the church would not be overlooked, the apostles were led to discuss with the church the need to divide the duties among the body.  

So that all the needs of the members of the Church would be met, it was determined that there should be a division of duties. The Apostle’s would continue to preach, teach, and administer the Sacraments. Additional spiritual men from within the congregation would be identified and assigned the responsibilities to care for the daily needs of the members of the church. 

This set-in place the practice that is still in place in today’s church of selecting individuals to carry out the needed functions in the church beyond preaching, teaching, and administering the sacraments. This has led to altar guilds, ushers, trustees, care committees, and the like. Those who serve in these various activities are vital for the Christian congregation to function properly. Thanks be to God for all who serve in these very important roles in their congregations. 

Prayer: Lord, bless all who serve in the ministry of Christian congregations that they realize how important it is they do what they do. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Church of God, elect and glorious,   
Holy nation chosen race;  
Called as God’s own special people,  
Royal priests and heirs of grace; 

Know the purpose of your calling,  
Show to all His mighty deeds,  
Tell of love that knows no limits,  
Grace that meets all human needs. 

Once you were an alien people,  
Strangers to God’s heart of love;  
But He brought you home in mercy,  
Citizens of heav’n above  

Let His love flow out to others,  
Let them feel a Father’s care;  
That they too may know His welcome  
And His countless blessings share. 

Church of God, elect and holy,  
Be the people He intends;  
Strong in faith and swift to answer  
Each command your Master sends:  

Royal priests, fulfill your calling  
Through your sacrifice and prayer;  
Give your lives in joyful service—  
Sing His praise, His love declare.  

Church of God, Elect and Glorious //

Text: © 1982 The Jubilate Group; admin Hope Publishing Co. // Used by Permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110000198