NT Connect: Acts 6:7
Weekly Reading: Psalm 119:97-176
God Is Always at Work
“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).
This week we have been reading Psalm 119:97-176. This particular chapter is found in the center of the Bible and is the longest chapter in the Bible. Concerning Psalm 119, Charles H. Spurgeon was quoted as saying, “We might do well to commit it to memory. Almost every verse in Psalm 119 mentions God’s Word in some way – it may be written as, word, ways, statutes, decrees, law, precepts, commands, or promise. Psalm 119 encourages us to know God through his Word. We see today, as the Psalmist saw in his day, that God’s Word is powerful, living, and active. From Psalm 119:105, we are also encouraged that God’s Word will direct our steps and light our path as we read and ponder his Word.” We also know from last weeks devotional from Tyler, that knowing God’s Word is really an invitation to know Jesus, for He is the living, active Word of God (John 1:1-4).
As we move into the New Testament Connection and specifically look at Acts 6, we see the report that the disciples are increasing in number because of God’s Word. However, an issue arises that must be addressed. Certain groups within the church are not being served or cared for, and so a dispute has arisen between the Hellenistic Jews and Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. A plan had to be put into place. Not only to serve the needs of others but to continue the proclamation of the Word of God. The needs of the widows were important, but this service to others should could not be allowed to override the proclamation of God’s Word. What was the result?
“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).
The church in Acts saw the fulfillment of what they learned and knew through God’s Word, accomplished in the living Word Jesus Christ. Has this change occurred for us? Do we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Are we addressing matters in our life that are creating walls to hearing and knowing God’s Word? As a result of God’s living and active Word in our lives, and through the local church where we are learning and growing together, we have the great opportunity to know Him and to make Him known locally, nationally and globally as a fellowship. To God be the Glory!
Robert Puckett