Don’t Miss the Widows

Pastor Kevin Rutledge - 5/4/2025 10:00 AM

In the early church, a powerful movement of growth and faith nearly missed the people who needed it most. This week’s message, “Don’t Miss the Widows,” explores Acts 6 and the call to truly see the overlooked and respond with compassion, justice, and Spirit-led action. Just as the disciples on the Emmaus road were slow to recognize Jesus walking beside them, we too can be blind to Christ’s presence in the lives of the vulnerable around us. Join us as we reflect on what it means to live as a resurrection people—not just celebrating good news, but embodying it in how we love, serve, and see one another.

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Scripture:

First Reading: Acts 6:1—7

View Order of Worship View Message Transcript View Small Group Discussion Guide

This Week's Reading Plan

Day:	Reading:
Monday	Life Among the Believers: Acts 2:43-47
Tuesday	The Apostles Heal: Acts 5:12-16
Wednesday	The Arrest of Stephen: Acts 6:8-15
Thursday	Stephen’s Speech to the Council: Acts 7:1-43
Friday	The Stoning of Stephen: Acts 7:44-60
Saturday	Phillip Preaches in Samaria: Acts 8:4-25
Sunday	Phillip Baptizes the Ethiopian: Acts 8:26-39

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

Day 1: Seeing the Unseen
Reading: Luke 24:13-35 (The Road to Emmaus)
Just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus failed to recognize Jesus, we often miss Christ's presence in our daily lives. Today, reflect on moments where you may have overlooked God's work around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus in unexpected places and people. How might your perspective change if you actively looked for Christ in every interaction? Practice intentional awareness today, seeking glimpses of God's love in the ordinary.

Day 2: The Body of Christ in Action
Reading: Acts 6:1-7
The early church faced challenges in caring for all its members, particularly those on the margins. This passage reminds us that every believer has a role to play in God's kingdom. Consider your own spiritual gifts and how you might use them to serve others in your community. Are there "widows" in your midst – people who are overlooked or underserved? Pray for discernment in identifying needs around you and courage to step into a role of service.

Day 3: Breaking Down Barriers
Reading: Galatians 3:26-28
The division between Hebrew and Hellenistic widows in Acts reflects our human tendency to create in-groups and out-groups. Paul's words in Galatians remind us that in Christ, these divisions should dissolve. Examine your heart today – are there people or groups you tend to overlook or avoid? Ask God to help you see all people as equally valuable in His eyes. Make an effort to reach out to someone outside your usual social circle, recognizing them as a fellow child of God.

Day 4: The Priesthood of All Believers
Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-10
The apostles' decision to empower others for ministry reflects the biblical concept of the priesthood of all believers. You are called to be a "living stone" in God's spiritual house. Reflect on how you view your role in the church and God's kingdom. Are you waiting for others to do the work, or actively participating? Ask God to reveal ways you can step into your priestly role, offering spiritual sacrifices through acts of love and service.

Day 5: Open Eyes, Open Hearts
Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus teaches that when we serve "the least of these," we are serving Him. This ties directly to the theme of seeing Christ in others, especially the vulnerable. Today, pray specifically for God to open your eyes to the needs around you. Who might God be calling you to notice and serve? Remember that small acts of kindness can have eternal significance. Choose one concrete way to show Christ's love to someone who is often overlooked, recognizing that in doing so, you are ministering to Jesus Himself.