A theme in today’s readings continues from the OT reading during morning prayer. In that time with God we heard from Exodus 18 about how Moses learnt from his father-in-law the importance of delegating to others.
Our reading from Acts shows another need for delegation. The feeding of all widows & orphans (including Hellenistic) is important, but the apostles have their own calling. What always strikes me in this passage is the high bar for deacons. Full of the Holy Spirit & wisdom, plus anointed by the apostles for their role. If we see how Philip & Stephen went on to be used we see how much God values the role of those who serve practically & serve the poor.
Today’s song, as well as joyful celebration of our King, reminds us of God’s interest & concern in these parts of our life too. He loves practical righteousness & justice (the Acts example is fixing an injustice). Plus, even more specifically, he will keep his people alive in famine. A great consolation in the times of famine the early church did face.
Then our gospel reading is another example of the church reminding us of how Jesus had revealed his divinity during His life on earth. Perhaps after His resurrection the apostles reflected on these memories. Here again, like feeding the 5000 yesterday, we see Jesus is not limited by nature or what seems impossible. Even in very difficult circumstances we can say “But God”, He is still able to provide. Because He is the “I am” that He said again here.
ACTION: Today, find a way to value practical service, helping others & do it as worship to God. Knowing that the Holy Spirit fills you for this work too, not only prayer & word.
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