6th May
Acts 6
Ministering on the job
Stephen is first mentioned with connection to service – as the Admin Manager or call him Chief Steward of the group. He however got into “trouble” not with the quality of service he rendered but the witness that he was with regard to his faith.
How the qualification for his appointment fitted:
i. He must be full of the Spirit (v5)
ii. He must be full of wisdom (v10)
iii. Stephen in addition was:
• full of faith (v5)
• full of God’s grace (v8)
• full of power (v8)
Over and above his role as the Admin Manager of the group, Stephen did great wonders and miraculous signs amongst the people (v8).
The secret was the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom, grace and power that He conveys as earlier promised in Acts 1v8.
Stephen was exposed to all unusual challenges of leadership – including false accusation, physical assault and arguments but :
1. His relationship with the Holy Spirit ensured he was head and shoulders above his accusers (v10)
2. He was under control even when on trial. His face was seen as that of an angel (v15) – nothing else can be expected of anybody who consistently gazes at the face of His Lord (2 Cor 3v18) and functions continually in His presence and under the shadow of His wings!
The interesting observation that can be deduced is that Stephen’s religious activities did not take out of nor reduce the quality of his service as the chief steward! Instead his character (shaped by his convictions) affected his job assignments.
Nehemiah of old was a steward too but was sufficiently a witness to his master that he became an instrument for the restoration of Israel after the exile.
Daniel’s performance on the job – in the civil service of Babylon – was a direct result of his determination to maintain his relationship with God and seek Him daily. No wonder he was such a successful witness.
Lord, help me to be effective as a witness on the job as your Holy Spirit works out your purpose in me through Jesus Christ my Lord. AMEN.
