Human brokenness gives way to Divine blessings.
Bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination make an unwelcomed appearance in the earlier church. It happened right in the middle of miracles, signs and wonders, and multitudes coming to Christ: “a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution” (Acts 6:1).
Had I been in charge that day, I would have preached on the evils of bigotry, then recruited volunteers to collect day-old bread from local bakeries and appointed a few administratively gifted people to insure the food gets distributed fairly. I am glad I was not there. I would have made a mess of things.
The issue wasn’t food distribution. The issue was overcoming an obstacle to the Gospel’s advancement. Rather than address their prejudice, the Apostles engaged in serving as the means of dominion. They practiced “overcoming evil with good.”
The Hellenists and the Hebrews had to select from among themselves “seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (v. 3). These men had to be Spirit-filled, wise, and trusted because their service would address deep-seated issues of prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination.
In caring for those on the edge of survival you often face the darkest parts of our humanity and the overwhelming lack of material resources. No wonder these men needed to be “of good repute, and full of the Spirit and wisdom.”
Kingdom expansion was immediate; “the Word of God continued to increase… the number of disciples multiplied great in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith” (v. 7).
I ask myself:
• “What crisis am I facing that is really a “Holy Spirit opportunity” disguised in human brokenness?”
• “Am I making room for the miraculous in the daily demands of ministry?”
• “What lifestyle disciplines do I need to cultivate that will result in me being full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, grace, and power?”
• “Are there any long-term, latent issues in my heart that hinder kingdom expansion?”
Acts 6 powerfully illustrates there is always more going on than what I see: Undercurrents, agendas, and human frailty mingling in with the goodness and blessings of God. Like the disciples, we need men and women “of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” who can help us face our issues and move forward. Jesus, help me to be one of them.
“Holding this years missionary retreat just after the Foursquare Europe Conference was such a blessing to me. While I have been to the missionary retreats before this was the first year I as able to go to the Conference. It was encouraging to see 25 different countries represented and to hear what God is doing across Europe. It gave me a chance to share ideas and to encourage and be encourage by others working in this difficult spiritual climate. After being on the field for six years the opportunity to attend the conference and the retreat not only gave me the rest and encouragement I needed but for the first time it gave me a greater sense of connection with the European Foursquare Family.” Beth Delaney, serving in Cork, Ireland.
“It meant the world to us to be able to attend the conference and retreat and especially to have the cost covered. It was such a refreshing time, a time to reconnect and build new relationships of support and encouragement. And it was really good for our kids to meet other missionary kids! It would not have been possible for us without such generous donors. Thank you so very much!” Tim & Kristina O’Toole, serving in Galway, Ireland
“I was very blessed by our time together in Budapest. There’s something really precious and really powerful about coming together as family and gaining a broader sense of what the Father is doing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Name and Location withheld for security purposes.
“Our recent missionary retreat in Budapest, Hungary was a pure gift! It was a unique opportunity to spend some unhurried time with my fellow missionaries in Europe. It was life-giving to experience the Spirit of God together in the midst of shared relationship, challenges, ministry, vision, and relaxing fun!” Adam Hartel, serving in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
“For us, the retreat was all about deepening relationships with our FMI colleagues in Europe and learning about their experiences. We rarely see them and it was very encouraging to be together, sharing our stories and relating as only missionaries to Europe can to one another. The activities planned were the catalysts, and sooo much fun! Thank you to all who made it possible!” Brett and Tammy Toft, serving in Tallinn, Estonia.
Debbie and I serve as the FMI Global Associate Director for MENACA and Europe. We focus on cultivating disciples, leaders, and church planting movements.
