April 28th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON ACTS 

THE NEWLY CHOSEN LEADERS SERVED WELL

Acts 6:8-10 (read Acts 6:8-15) “ Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” 

Jesus chose for His original twelve disciples men from a variety of backgrounds. He personally trained them for the task of spreading the gospel and performing miracles among the people of Israel. Their service was blessed. Following His ascension into heaven they followed in Jesus’ footsteps preaching and teaching the Holy Scriptures and doing mighty works.   

In yesterday’s devotion the words of Acts 6 were about those disciples (apostles), through the followers of Jesus, appointed twelve additional men to join them in serving God’s people and spreading the gospel. Stephen was one of the twelve. Today’s verses give an account of Stephen’s ministry. You will note that Stephen was very good in doing what he had been chosen to do. You will also note opposition arose against him and his ministry. 

Stephen and so many who have followed was blessed by God in carrying out his responsibilities as a lay leader of the church. The Holy Spirit works to create faith and blessings through the ministry of pastors but also through the ministry of lay persons. Note in the last sentence of today’s verses it was the Holy Spirit who gave Stephen the ability to effectively minister and even address those who were opposed to what he said and did. The Holy Spirit will always be present to do His work through the means of grace as both pastor and lay members use them. Both are His instruments to spread the gospel and make disciples. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, bless the work of pastors and lay persons who spread the gospel that many will come to faith in Jesus. Amen. 

Glorious things of you are spoken, Zion city of our God;  
He whose word cannot be broken Formed you for His own abode.  
On the Rock of Ages founded, What can shake your sure repose?   
With salvation’s walls surrounded, You may smile at all your foes. 

See, the streams of living waters, Springing from eternal love,  
Well supply your sons and daughters And all fear of want remove.  
Who can faint while such a river Ever will their thirst assuage?  
Grace, which like the Lord, the giver, Never fails from age to age. 

Round each habitation hov’ring, See the cloud and fire appear  
For a glory and a cov’ring, Showing that the Lord is near.  
Thus deriving from their banner Light by night and shade by day,  
Safe they feed upon the manna Which God gives them on their way. 

Savior, since of Zion’s city I through grace a member am,  
Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in Your name.  
Fading are the world’s vain pleasures, All their boasted pomp and show; 
Solid joys and lasting treasures None but Zion’s children know.  

Glorious Things of You Are Spoken // LSB 648

Public Domain // Used by Permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110000198