Secret Servants

The eleven disciples, minus Judas Iscariot now, decided that they must make their compliment twelve again. They chose two men of God, cast lots, and chose Matthias. Matthias is never mentioned again in the Bible (neither is the casting of lots -- now that we have the Holy Spirit, there is no need). Should we suppose Matthias did nothing of importance because he failed to get mentioned again? No Way!

Actually, there were a few of the disciples of Jesus who were also never mentioned again. Just because they were not included in the latter parts of the scriptures doesn't mean that they did not accomplished powerful things for Christ. Some people serve silently, while others serve publicly; depending on their gifts. I am sure that Matthias and the other "silent" disciples served in their capacity to their fullest for Christ -- not everyone can be a pastor, teacher or musician -- some are called to be cooks, altar guild, secretaries and missionaries. I am, of course, talking from the point of view of our modern church in mentioning these servant roles. I don't think the early church had an altar guild, but where would the church be today without one! Did you know that one of the most important roles in the early church was the cook and host? The early church was centered around a small group food ministry! These lead roles were largely done by women, who were cherished by the early church for their service. To have a church, you first had to have a home (they did not build churches until much later), and without food, ministry simply didn't happen in those days. People came for the food, and stayed for the message! Can you imagine where the church would be today if all the behind-the-scenes folks didn't do their behind the scene stuff? When you pick up a pencil from the pew and fill in the blanks in the bulletin during the sermon, do you ever wonder where the bulletin came from, or who sharpened that pencil and put it in the pew for your use? When the altar looks simply stunning during services, with flowers all around, candles lit, and shiny silverware for communion, do you wonder who arranged the flowers, replaced the candles, washed the silverware, ironed the linens, and filled 300 tiny cups with wine or grape juice? At our church, we view our songs and our message on video screens. Those screens were put up there a few years ago by talented volunteer electricians and carpenters, and every week, lyrics, scriptures and words are typed in by someone and are projected up there by a video person hiding in a dark room. At the end of service, there is always coffee and cookies. Someone made that coffee, and either made or bought those cookies, and arranged them nicely on a tray for you to eat and drink. The service runs so smoothly, allowing you to concentrate on the message, because a score of secret servants took care of all the details! The church is full of secret servants! Wherever God has placed your talents, serve Him to your fullest in the church, even if you do so silently.

Thanks to all those who already serve our church so faithfully.