Humble Beginnings by Andy Carruthers

WSL / TIM HAIN

Over the years I’ve had a lot of people say they would like to get into chaplaincy at surfing events. They see me in my role as WSL Longboard World Tour Chaplain, believing that this is an appointed paid position. However many overlook or are unaware of the humble beginnings of this role. I just started serving at surf events helping set up and kept turning up offering spiritual council when appropriate or asked. People knew me as a Christian Surfers leader and a pastor. Years passed and I served in this voluntary role at local and national events then the door opened to serve at the World Titles. It's these humble beginnings of voluntary service that many wish to forego. They also don’t realize that on the world stage chaplaincy is still a voluntary position, this includes covering my own travel expenses, etc. Service starts in the heart and is a calling, not a role.

This is where we pick up on the story of Stephen. 

Stephen was chosen as a servant (decon) Acts 6:5 here we see that his being available to God in this area has increased his gifting in other areas. vs 8 tells us... Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

Before this point, we see or at least read that these miraculous signs were attributed and evidenced in the Apostles. The Holy Spirit gives gifts as he sees fit. 1 Cor 12: 4-11

Stephen started out waiting on tables but has gone on to teaching proclaiming and miraculous signs. (never despise humble beginnings or humble service). So who is this Stephen bloke, we know he was chosen to serve and he is considered to be a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. 6:5 ...they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,

Stephen's name is Greek and he is a Hellenistic Jew (Greek-speaking). Phillip the Apostle is also a Hellenistic Jew. 

It is this group who oppose Stephen vs 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. This synagogue of freedmen consists of Jews of Roman, North African, and Asian origin. The Jerusalem Jewish Jews had a lower opinion of these guys. We see that when Peter preaches and many are saved the opposition comes from the Jerusalem council and immediately preceding the account of Stephen vs 7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 

We see that many Levites were turning to faith in Jesus. These are Jewish Jews... opposition to Stephen comes from his own people most likely because through him the gospel is making inroads into that subculture (the Hellenistic Jews). Christians often suffer under ‘friendly fire’ opposition from one's own people.   

Opposition to the Gospel truth arises and they have no accusations so they make stuff up... vs 10  But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.

There is a pretend court with a ‘Pretense of Justice’ Is this true; they say no really seeking an explanation but looking for Stephen to recant his beliefs so there’s can be justified.

They can not deal with change and the collapse of their power so they oppose him and make things up…. does this sound familiar?

Opposition is to be expected as is a level of vilification, unfortunately. It is hard to please God and men.

*Humble beginnings and service flow out of gifting of the heart not a desire for a role.

*Opposition and hardship will come all service comes at a cost.

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing. 
Camille Pissarro

Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
John Wooden

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.   Mahatma Gandhi

Love is all, it gives all, and it takes all.  Soren Kierkegaard