Purpose Increases My Desire to Serve
Pastor Wesley & Yajhna Sing · 2 min read
“Now Stephen, full of grace (divine blessing, favor) and power, was doing great wonders and signs (attesting miracles) among the people. However, some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (freed Jewish slaves), both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and [the province of] Asia, rose up and questioned and argued with Stephen. But they were not able to successfully withstand and cope with the wisdom and the intelligence [and the power and inspiration] of the Spirit by whom he was speaking.”
The speech of Stephen before the Jewish ruler is the first apology for the universalism of the gospel as a message to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. It is the longest speech contained in the Acts, a place of prominence being given to it as a defence. Stephen was called to serve tables, but he was so full of the Holy Spirit, the purpose was not only to serve tables but to minister to those he came in contact with. The fear of being stoned did not perturb him at all. In fact the people who opposed him were not able to withstand the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in his life. He served anyway.
In our own lives, we need to be so purpose conscious, even in our work stations. We need to be driven by our desire to serve God in the place to which we have been called. Our work place or business is a pulpit where we are used to preach and reach out to people. I do not mean you have to leave your work and minister to people. No! your attitude, your work ethic, your conversation and the way in which you conduct yourself is a witness and this alone will win people to Jesus. I challenge you, let the Holy Spirit increase your desire to serve and you will be surprised at what God will do.
From the October 2024 issue, themed RELENTLESS IN MY GOD GIVEN PURPOSE.
