Imago Scriptura 62 - Greater than One

One person can make a difference, but an even greater difference comes when we work with others. In the story of Esther the last few days, Mordecai would not have been able to make the differ he made in rescuing the Jews from destruction without Queen Esther. Likewise, Esther needed Mordecai to not only tell her of the threat but also to challenge her about her being put in the role of queen “for such a time as this.” In the readings from Acts, we have the story of the commissioning of Stephen and the others for the work of ministers to the widows being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles realized that they needed others to do the work so they commissioned this group.

We can do a lot on our own but we cannot do it all on our own. This is not an easy thing for me. I do have a tendency to want to take it all on but I have realized time and time again that I cannot do that. It's not healthy for me, for our ministry, for others.

Last night we had a cookout and gathering of our elders and deacons. It was a wonderful time of community and sharing and celebrating the ways that God is at work. But we cannot do it alone and God works so powerfully through us as a group. I am so grateful for each one of these men and women who make a difference for the kingdom of God. I am grateful for how each has responded to the call to ministry. I am excited to see what God is going to do. As the closing of the story in acts 7 says, “The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly” but this only happened as each said yes to being a part of the work of God.