Jump Start # 3721
Acts 8:2 “And some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him.”
Stephen was dead. His cut and bloodied body was carried by brave brothers who buried him with tears from broken hearts. Just a few pages later, James, one of the apostles is executed by Herod (12:2). This new and young kingdom, was losing gallant leaders. Who would take their places? Who would fill their shoes?
I thought about that the other day. In the past couple of years, many influential disciples have been taken home to be with the Lord. Some were preachers. Some were shepherds. Some were just amazing encouragers whose hearts bubbled over with love and hospitality. The kingdom seems a little emptier without them being around. And, one must ask, who will take their places? Who will fill their shoes?
Here are some thoughts for us:
First, it is wonderful to have experienced the great positive impact that so many have made for the kingdom. We have learned so much from some of these preachers. Our lives have been enriched by the goodness and kindness of so many disciples. It is a blessing to have been blessed by them. We miss when they are no longer around, but are so thankful that there is an imprint upon our hearts from such good things that they have done.
Second, some cannot be replaced. There was no replacement for the apostle James. God didn’t have a perpetual apostleship that would continue on forever. When the apostles died, no one filled that role. And, in many other ways, no one can do exactly what someone else has done. Another preacher can stand behind the pulpit. Other shepherds can be appointed to serve. But no one will do things exactly the way others have. The same is true of us. No one can do what we do in the exact same manner. We all have unique abilities and are given special opportunities. The work of encouraging can continue on, but it may not look the same as others have done it. Treasure what you have now. Learn from those who do things well. And, in your own special way you and others will carry the work on. It may look different. It may be better.
Third, with the death of Stephen and James, the kingdom wasn’t paralyzed. In fact, the kingdom continued to grow and expand. The work of God is much larger than any one of us. The kingdom grew because others continued to be busy teaching, encouraging and spreading the word of Christ. James didn’t get to go into all the world as other apostles did. It wasn’t necessary for James to see those things. He started and when his divine appointment with death came, he was ready to go.
Laying a foundation of growth and building a legacy plan will help a congregation with vision. Putting in place the key steps of future leadership will help a congregation moving onward with the Lord. For some places, the death of a shepherd or a preacher, begins the slow death march of the congregation. No one takes over. No one steps us. The void is never filled. As God told Ezekiel, “I searched for a man to stand in the gap.” No one was found. And, for congregations, that gap created by the passing of some influential members, is the starting of the end for that group.
Stephen died. But, there would be an Apollos, a Timothy, a Titus, a Barnabas, a Silas, a Paul, that would do their part in teaching God’s word. There wasn’t a gap when Stephen died. The same chapter that announces the death of Stephen, tells us about Philip doing great work in Samaria. It tells of an Ethiopian official who was told about Jesus. He was baptized. He returned home to Ethiopia, with a new message, a new promise and a new relationship with the Lord.
Stephen was dead, but the work carried on. And, so it is for us. Learn from those around you who are doing such amazing kingdom work. Get your hands busy doing things for the kingdom. And, when opportunities arise for you to excel, be ready with a “Here am I, send me” spirit.
Generations…legacy…doing our part in the kingdom.
Roger