Rev. George Miller
May 4, 2025
Acts 6:1-7
Sometimes the smallest detail makes all
the difference. The right spice that takes a dish from “meh” to “wow!”
The piano key ushering in the Holy Spirit. A flower planted by the church’s front door.
Here we are in Acts. Christ is resurrected;
togetherness is key.
In Chapter 4 the people are acting as ONE,
sharing the Good News and their resources, making sure no one is without.
Things are so new, so exciting, like a garden
in spring. They are flourishing; love
growing.
With all this positivity comes reality- the
disciples can only care for a part of the people.
The issue is brought to their attention. The disciples listen; they hear, they discern.
They come to a well-thought, wise decision-
let’s invite others to do the hands-on aspect
of ministry, so we can focus on the spiritual and pastoral care components.
Such a smart move!
Listening to the new rhythms this moment
is making. No one goes without; no one
is burned out.
Folk do what they can. No task is considered better than another- all
things done in the name of The Resurrection, seen as holy and sacred.
They look for folk to embrace this opportunity
rooted in God’s Spirit, rich with Christ’s insight and compassion.
Ministry is shared, people satisfied. The church grows and blossoms joyfully.
We witness such simple truths- Church is
not a place to wield power or control, but to share in the Call of Christ.
Growth of the Garden brings growing pains.
New needs are not signs of failure, but life, with new, living opportunities.
It is good when new needs create new
opportunities.
Church grows not by perfection, but by paying
attention.
Togetherness is how to move through uncomfortable
moments and challenges.
When it comes to times that could divide, garden-through
them with respect, creativity, and empowerment.
Here is where detail makes the
difference- they call Nicolaus, a prostyle of Antioch.
5 words used for Nicolaus, 5 words that
tell a whole story.
Nicolaus means “Victory of the People.” Wonderful choice if you want someone to care
for the community.
Nicolaus comes from Antioch, a huge,
thriving, metropolitan city full of arts and education, every store you can
imagine with Targets on each corner.
Nicolaus comes from a place with every
kind of person, every kind of cuisine, every kind of “entertainment,” with
every kind of god you could choose to worship.
Nicolaus is a big city boy. He’s also a proselyte.
This means that he was born and lived as a
Gentile, worshipping a different god, or no god at all.
Somehow he learned about the God of Isreal
who desires integrity, solidarity, and grace.
He attended synagogue, studied scripture, converted
to Judaism, is circumcised, became Kosher, and follows the Law.
Now Nicolaus is a follower of Christ. He is not just believing, but doing.
When the disciples select Nicolaus they
are doing something groundbreaking.
They select someone who years ago would
have been seen and treated as an outsider.
By calling Nicolaus forward they are
saying- “We see you.”
“We see all of you- who you are, where you
came from, all that you’ve done. In our hearts
we know that you are worthy of serving alongside us, as equals.”
This moment in history is magnificent-
Nicolaus embodies the bold building up of the church.
How the church is becoming more globalized.
The church is welcoming newcomers, those
who are different; trusting and empowering them to do the same things the
elders do.
This is huge.
The church could have stayed “with
their own”, sticking with only the familiar. Instead they chose to grow, welcome, and
expand God’s table.
Nicolaus- have a seat and serve. Phebe- have a seat and be a deacon. The
eunuch from Ethiopia- have a seat and let’s discuss scripture.
You in the pews of St. Lucas- have a
seat and let’s praise God together.
The smallest detail can make all the
difference.
The inclusion of Nicolaus made all the
difference. And we are all the better
for it.
Let us say “Amen.”
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