Today’s memory verse is from Romans, chapter 12, verse 13
Share with God’s people who need help
Roman 12:13
The message for today’s story is God’s people work together to help others.
Do you like working with your mom or dad while you make a cake or wash the car? It’s more fun to share the work, isn’t it? A long time ago, some people were chosen to help the apostles in a very special way.
What is all of that noise? Peter asked. hhmmm Matthew sigh, some of the new believers are arguing again, he answered. What are they arguing about? Well, Matthew explained some of the believers who are not from our area, the ones who speak the Greek language. Well, they’re complaining that the widows in their group aren’t getting as much food to eat as the Hebrew widows.
A widow is a woman whose husband has died. It’s so sad to hear them argue. Well, arguing is wrong, Peter said firmly. Let’s call the people together and see what we can do about this. So that is what they did.
When the believers were gathered together, the apostles stood up and spoke. We have an idea. We apostles do not want to stop our work of preaching and teaching the Word of God in order to serve food. So pick seven good men; men who are wise, men who are filled with the Holy Spirit. We will put them in charge of giving food to the widows.
The believers smiled at each other. Hmm This was a good idea; It was a good solution. So the believers said about choosing seven men and they do chose very carefully. They chose men who are wise and full of the Holy Spirit. They chose men who are honest and truthful. Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus.
The apostles were very pleased. They gathered around the seven men and laid their hands on them and prayed. This meant that the seven men were being set aside to do a special work for God. The apostles prayed that God would bless the men and help them take care of the widows. So the apostles were able to continue their own special work of praying, preaching and teaching. More and more people heard the word of God. More and more became believers in Jesus. All kinds of people believed; shopkeepers, farmers, weavers and sandal makers, even some of the priest from the temple.
All the believers were important in the Family of God, and the poor widows who needed food were loved and cared for. We can be God’s helpers too! what can we do to help hungry people?
