Peter Misselbrook's Blog
Feb 23 2020 - Acts 6:1-15 – Division of labour

One of the most notable divisions between Jews in Jerusalem was between those who continued to speak Hebrew (or more correctly Aramaic), and those who had adopted the Greek language and probably a measure of Greek customs. They would each have had their own synagogues with worship conducted in their different languages. The two communities probably viewed one another with a measure of suspicion.

The apostles would have been Aramaic speakers, but the growing church soon made inroads among the Greek speaking Jews. It would appear that the suspicion between these two groups did not immediately disappear once people became Christians. As we have seen, the early Christians were in the habit of sharing resources one with another. The apostles were now supervising a growing and widespread distribution of food to those in need – a kind of first-century food bank. Before long, some of the widows among the Greek speaking groups felt that they were not getting treated as generously as widows who spoke Aramaic – like the apostles.

I am reminded of how Moses struggled to try and settle the many disputes among the Israelites after they had been rescued from Egypt. It was just too much for him to do alone. Jethro, his father-in-law, told Moses to appoint others to help him out so that he could do what God had called him to do (Exodus 18).

Here, in Acts, it is the Spirit of Jesus who teaches the apostles the same lesson. The apostles encouraged the aggrieved community to select men of integrity and spiritual maturity to help in the task of distribution – from the names that emerge it does seem that the helpers were to be from the Greek speaking community. These men were then appointed to their new task as the apostles laid their hands on them, signifying full trust and delegated authority for their ministry.

So the crisis was averted. The apostles could devote themselves to the work that Jesus had called them to do. Other tasks were also done well by others who were equally directed and empowered by the same Holy Spirit. As a result the church continued to grow and to prosper.

When power is retained in the hands of the few, divisions will multiply and the work will soon stagnate. When the many are freed to do the work to which God calls and equips each of them by his Spirit, divisions will be healed, much will be accomplished and the kingdom will increase. This is a vital lesson for us to learn in our day, just as it was in the days of the apostles.

But as the church grew and prospered among Greek speaking Jewish Christians, the Greek speaking Jewish community began to feel threatened. Steven, one of the seven chosen to help with poor relief, but evidently also a gifted preacher, was seized and brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin to face trumped-up charges.

If we hope to make an impact on the community in which God has placed us we must also expect to stir up opposition. If we are intent upon avoiding conflict we will end up watering down the good news of Christ until it is as ineffective as it is inoffensive.

Father God, help us to encourage one another in the work that you have given each of us to do. Give us discernment to see where Satan is stirring up trouble and division among your people and the wisdom to deal with it effectively so that all may work together in building your church and making Christ known. May we always bear clear testimony to the good news of Jesus both in the words we say and in the character of our shared life.

6go6ckt5b8|00005AC6389D|Blog|Body|1C9D98D9-2BFC-4F2F-96D7-2F3EBEC14F9A

Feb 23 2019 - Exodus 12:29-42 – Egypt defeated, Israel liberated

When God met with Moses at the burning bush, he told him, "When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son, and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son'" (Exodus 4:21-23).

Israel is God's firstborn, the heir to all the good things he has to give. If Pharaoh will not let God's firstborn go free, then God will destroy his firstborn and all the firstborn of Egypt. Moses had known that this was how the battle would be played out. Now it has reached its final crisis.

"At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead" (Exodus 12:31-32).

Pharaoh summoned Moses – even though he had said that if he saw Moses again he would have him executed. He tells Moses to take the Israelites out of Egypt along with all their livestock and everything they possess. The Lord their God must love them greatly if he will go to such lengths to bring them to himself. Just for a moment, Pharaoh wishes he could have a part in the blessing this God has promised his people; his final plea to Moses is, "And also bless me."

The Israelites – getting on for two million of them – leave Egypt, hastened on by the Egyptians who gave them gold, silver and clothing. They leave a life of slavery to walk into the desert with nothing but the promise that the God of Abraham is with them.

God sacrificed the firstborn of Egypt that he might rescue the Israelites and bring them to himself. But in the Lord Jesus he has done something far more wonderful to secure our redemption; God sacrificed his own firstborn Son for us. And in him we also have been made heirs of God; co-heirs with Christ to all the riches of his kingdom. God has blessed us beyond measure.

And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest in the Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me? …

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quick'ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

God of the covenant, you have freed us from our slavery and have called us to yourself. As with Abraham and with Israel, you call us to walk into the unknown with nothing but your promise before us and your presence alongside us. Help us to remember that you have given your Son for us and have promised with him freely to give us all things. Help us to follow you in the company of your people and in a spirit of joyful expectation. Bless us and make us a blessing.

6go6ckt5b8|00005AC6389D|Blog|Body|42D14513-97D7-4706-AC3B-208FD1E7D675

Peter Misselbrook