Acts Chapter 6

Acts 6: 8-10

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.  Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.

When the Hellenist complain that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food, the twelve realize that they cannot effectively teach the word of God and adequately manage to feed the poor (wait on tables). They chose Stephen and six others to be responsible for these tasks so that they could continue to pray and serve the word.

There have been many times in my life when I wished I could speak with such wisdom and Spirit that others could not withstand me, especially now in these days when the world is so frightened and divided. But, the truth is that many times I am only speaking from my own opinions and when others hear me they have different opinions.  But, what if I spoke directly from my heart through the power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit? 

When I read and study the Word of God, the teachings of Jesus and the disciples, the Psalms and Prophetic writings, I am really preparing myself to bring that wisdom to others.  And so it was with Stephen. His words were not an instant miracle brought on by having the apostles lay hands on him.  He is described as a man full of faith, grace and power prior to his being chosen. 

And so, each day, I pray that I may gain a little more wisdom, a little more faith and a little more grace so that I too may share the love of God, the Word of God and the joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ because only then will I be speaking from my heart and my soul.

                                                                                    Lois Vanderbok, EfM, Year 1