Apostolic Perspectives #5 - The Test of Followship and Humility
Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; (Acts 6:3)
Did you notice that these men were overseers? These deacons were not just table waiters, they were leaders in the community; Leaders who possessed great administrative abilities.
This means that they had the capacity to organize and oversee teams who would then carry out certain responsibilities in the community. When you consider that the Jerusalem church, at this point in time, numbered in the tens of thousands, one would hardly expect seven men to be able to handle all the hospitality needs that such a crowd would generate.
Understanding followship requires that we know that sometimes we are required to follow and other times we are required to lead. All of this is based on times and seasons in God.
The apostles who appointed the deacons in Acts 6, had to follow their lead when it came to certain administrative duties.
Another interesting observation is that at least one of these men emerged as a five-fold ministry gift to the community. A leader who cannot follow one whom he has led when the occasion requires it, lacks humility.
Humility: A choice and a learnt behavior
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt.11:29)
What does Jesus mean when he says "take my yoke upon you and learn from me"?
Well, for sure, He is not referring to the yellow part in the center of an egg. It's spelled differently! Seriously. What is Jesus talking about here?
Well for starters, let's find out what a yoke is. This word can be used in a negative sense to mean something that causes people to be treated cruelly and unfairly by taking away their freedom.
Originally, a yoke referred to a wooden bar by which two farm animals are joined at the heads or necks for working together.
This is the context in which Jesus used the word. The imagery is quite striking. It speaks of a joining that allows believers to imitate Jesus. The yoke ensured that both parties were moving in the same direction.
Humility is a choice but it is also a learnt behavior. Jesus invites us to take on His yoke so that we may learn this vital behavior. The choice is ours.
May the Spirit of the Lord encourage you as you meditate on these things.
Kingdom Blessings!