#31 THE BURDEN, THE BRETHREN, AND THE BLESSING 8-25-26
There is a beautiful principle of leadership found in both the days of Moses and the days of the apostles. Moses discovered that the work God had given him was too great for one man to carry alone. Centuries later, the apostles faced a similar situation in the early church. The circumstances were different, but the principle was the same. God’s work is not designed for one person to do everything.
Moses said to Israel, “I am not able to bear you by myself” (Deuteronomy 1:9). The nation had grown, the responsibilities had multiplied, and the burden had become too great. Moses needed faithful men who could share the responsibility of leading and judging the people. They were to be wise, understanding, experienced, and respected men who would help him carry the load (Deuteronomy 1:13–17).
The apostles faced a similar challenge in Acts 6. The church was growing rapidly, but with growth came needs. Some widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles understood that the problem needed to be addressed, but they also understood that abandoning the ministry of prayer and the word of God was not the answer. They told the church to seek out seven men who were of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, and full of wisdom (Acts 6:2–3).
Notice the wisdom of both Moses and the apostles. They did not ignore the problem, and they did not try to do everything themselves. They recognized the need, identified qualified people, delegated responsibility, and continued doing the work God had specifically entrusted to them.
This teaches us something important about Christian service. Delegation is not weakness. It is wisdom. There are people who believe they must personally carry every burden, solve every problem, visit every person, teach every class, answer every question, and accomplish every task. But God never intended His people to function that way. The body of Christ has many members, and every member has a purpose (Romans 12:4–8).
The answer to a great burden is not always to work harder. Sometimes the answer is to share the burden with faithful brethren. Moses needed men who could help him. The apostles needed men who could serve the congregation. And the church today needs faithful men and women who are willing to step forward and say, “Give me something I can do for the kingdom.”
And look at what happened when the burden was properly shared. In Acts 6, “the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly” (Acts 6:7). The apostles continued preaching, the congregation received needed care, qualified servants were raised up, and the kingdom advanced.
That is the blessing of every member doing his or her part. When the burden is shared, the work expands. When faithful people serve, the church grows. When everyone uses what God has given them, the kingdom moves forward.
Moses could not do everything. The apostles could not do everything. And neither can we. But together, under the lordship of Christ, we can accomplish far more than any one person could ever accomplish alone.
The question is not, “Why isn’t somebody doing this?” The better question is, “What can I do?” There is a place for you in the work of God. There is a burden you can help carry. There is a person you can encourage. There is a soul you can reach. There is a work you can do.
The burden is great. The brethren are needed. And when God’s people faithfully serve together, the blessing is greater than we could ever imagine.
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Father, give us wisdom to recognize the burdens that need to be shared and humility to allow others to serve. Raise up faithful men and women who are willing to work for Your kingdom. Help each of us discover our place in Your work and faithfully fulfill it. May Your Word spread, may Your church grow, and may Christ be glorified through everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BDD
