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.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Acts 6:1-6
It seems like almost a daily occurence that David and I hear about another married couple where the wife wants to adopt, but the husband is hesitant.
The other day, David just couldn't take it anymore, "Aaargh! They're like corks in a bottle! Where are the men?!"
Now, please understand, David says this with a heart full of compassion...compassion for the children, yes, but also compassion for the men. He knows that they are truly missing out! They are missing out on being a redeeming force in a child's life. They are missing out on an opportunity to give their lives away. They are missing out on seeing God work in amazing ways.
Neither David nor I believe that all couples should adopt. There are many, many different ways that God could be calling a husband and a wife to love God and serve others. There is a world of people who need redemption. There is a world of people who need love. There is a world of people just waiting for the fire of God to fill them...and that world begins in our homes and in our church families. If we're not experiencing the love and passion of God in these places, that's a great place to start!
But I do believe that God wants to challenge some men to go out into the world. He wants to challenge men to be men and to radically care for the widow, the orphan and the outcast. These are men who could be like Stephen, Philip, Procurs, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas or Nicolas.
Can you imagine?!
Can you imagine how wonderful this kind of life could be?!
Can you imagine how joyful this kind of life could be?!
Partnering with God to serve the needy.
Touching the heart of the Father.
Now, doesn't that beat Monday night football any day of the week?!
Men.
Fiery men of God
Radical partners in redemption.
Could this be you?
1 comment:
I had to pray silently for over three years before Greg would do this. God spoke to him by using another child. We knew a little 4 year old adopted from China at our church and Greg was teaching VBS, the PE part. On the last day of VBS, little Mei Mei climbed up in his lap and said, "I love you Mr. Greg" and that was it....the rest is history as they say:)
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