Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 6:2-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Acts 6:2-3

"Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."

The apostles looked for seven men to assist them in caring for the poor and needy. It doesn't say what calling these men had but it would probably be similar to bishops and branch presidents today.

This made me think of Moses and the council Jethro, his father-in-law gave him.

"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee."

(Exodus 18:21-22)

I also pondered on the reference to "serve tables" and found these quotes.

"Was Jesus asking His disciples to respond to random requests from the crowd or to serve tables? No! He was asking them to serve in His way. The people were not to be masters of his disciples. The Lord is their Master."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods", April 1996 General Conference)

"Also that the Seventies are not called to serve tables, or preside over churches, to settle difficulties, but are to preach the Gospel and build them up, and set others, who do not belong to these quorums, to preside over them, who are High Priests. The Twelve also are not to serve tables, but to bear the keys of the Kingdom to all nations, and unlock the door of the Gospel to them, and call upon the Seventies to follow after them, and assist them. The Twelve are at liberty to go wheresoever they will, and if any one will say, I wish to go to such a place, let all the rest say amen."

(Joseph Smith, Jr, "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 109)

It made me think of people that find fault with the prophets and apostles and want things done their way. Prophets don't answer to people, they answer to God. Even those that "serve tables", like bishops and branch presidents, they still have the gift of discernment, the spirit as their guide to know how to best assist those in needs.

Day 3183