June 13 | Acts 6:1-7

Jennifer Jerrome
Jun 12
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Better Together

By Jennifer Jerrome

If you’re a young adult or had children or grandchildren around 2006, then you’ve probably heard the song, “We’re All in This Together” from the movie High School Musical. For some reason that song popped into my head while preparing this post. It’s likely because the theme we’re discussing is: An Oasis We Build Together.

Almost everything that has occurred throughout history has been because two or more people were involved in making it happen. Though Jesus was the only one who could save us, even he had help from the Father and the Holy Spirit and He knew better than anyone that He couldn’t spread his message alone. He needed help. So, one became twelve and twelve became thousands.

Acts 6 talks specifically about the apostles asking/allowing their followers to select seven holy men who could distribute food so they could turn their attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word (v. 4).

Because the apostles realized early on that the work Jesus charged them with would require more than just twelve men, they gathered the other disciples together and asked them for help. Allowing them to select their own faith-filled men was a strategic move that pleased the whole group (v. 5). Giving people the ability to have a say and be part of the process was crucial to success. The more people who felt invested, the easier it was to become the hands and feet of Jesus and the more his message spread.

We are all needed to do God’s work and no matter what your role, you make a difference. Some people hold doors, while others save seats. Some hand us the body and blood, while those with musical abilities sing praise - and that’s just at church on Sunday! All can contribute.

To quote the lyrics from High School Musical…

Everyone is special in their own way.

We make each other strong.

We’re not the same.

We’re different in a good way.

Together is where we belong.

So, whether you’re distributing bread to widows, praying for others or reading the Word, you matter. You have influence in God’s kingdom.

PRAYER

Father,

Thank you for bringing us together for your good. We know only Jesus saves, but we each play a part in your kingdom. May we feel the hands of the original twelve on us, so that your message of love continues to spread. Amen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER JERROME

I have known I was a child of God from the beginning. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic church and began attending UALC about 18 years ago when my husband I were searching for a place to worship and serve as a family. UALC has helped shape our faith over the years. We have been through several seasons of life and the constant has been our faith and family.