Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, April 25, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
With respect, I completely disagree, dear disciples. In fact, I think that failing to “wait tables,” as they disdainfully labeled the caring for the widows, in order to preach is actually neglecting the word of God. Yes, it’s important to share God’s word with others, especially in this fledgling time for the church, but—cliché as it is—actions speak louder than words. Peter has taken the whole “feed my sheep” as purely spiritual, forgetting that no sheep can be fed spiritually if they’re hungry physically.
We are called to share God’s word with all those in our lives, but that doesn’t mean preaching to everyone around us. It means putting God’s love into specific action through service. Making a meal at a homeless shelter—waiting at tables—is exactly the word of God.
What do I see as the most important aspects of sharing God’s word on a practical level?
