Reading: Acts 6, 7, 8
My Verse: "Then all who sat in the council (Sanhedrin) as they gazed intently at Stephen, saw that his face had the appearance of the face of an angel." (6:15)
Stephen has been busy about the work of his Lord and Savior. He was intense and singleminded. "Now, Stephen, full of grace and power worked great wonders and signs among the people." (6:8) Like Jesus he drew the attention of the Jewish leaders and so was drug before them and falsely accused of many things. Yet, he stands before them aglow with the presence of his Lord.
When asked point blank if the accusations were true he did not directly deny them but went into a long teaching and historical discourse of the gospel story speaking of; Abraham, Joseph, Moses and the unbelief of the people of Israel. He concludes by accusing the council of unbelief. "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did , so do you." (7:51,52)
These seem like harsh words, they certainly were not very diplomatic. But Stephen spoke truthfully. He saw the cold haughty hypocritical hearts of the leaders. His words cut deeply - because they were truth. The council became so angry that Stephen ended up being stoned to death.
One might think that Stephen went too far, but upon reflection he could do nothing else. He lived for his Lord. He did not care or worry about his safety. He was willing to do and be whatever his Lord wanted of him - in this case it meant martyrdom.
Stephen is such a wonderful example of living fully for You, Lord. He so completely trusted in Your love for him. He knew that nothing would happen to him that You didn't want to happen. And when he was stoned - You took him through that gloriously.
Thank, You, for the example of Stephen's purposeful and singleminded life.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
My Verse: "Then all who sat in the council (Sanhedrin) as they gazed intently at Stephen, saw that his face had the appearance of the face of an angel." (6:15)
Stephen has been busy about the work of his Lord and Savior. He was intense and singleminded. "Now, Stephen, full of grace and power worked great wonders and signs among the people." (6:8) Like Jesus he drew the attention of the Jewish leaders and so was drug before them and falsely accused of many things. Yet, he stands before them aglow with the presence of his Lord.
When asked point blank if the accusations were true he did not directly deny them but went into a long teaching and historical discourse of the gospel story speaking of; Abraham, Joseph, Moses and the unbelief of the people of Israel. He concludes by accusing the council of unbelief. "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did , so do you." (7:51,52)
These seem like harsh words, they certainly were not very diplomatic. But Stephen spoke truthfully. He saw the cold haughty hypocritical hearts of the leaders. His words cut deeply - because they were truth. The council became so angry that Stephen ended up being stoned to death.
One might think that Stephen went too far, but upon reflection he could do nothing else. He lived for his Lord. He did not care or worry about his safety. He was willing to do and be whatever his Lord wanted of him - in this case it meant martyrdom.
Stephen is such a wonderful example of living fully for You, Lord. He so completely trusted in Your love for him. He knew that nothing would happen to him that You didn't want to happen. And when he was stoned - You took him through that gloriously.
Thank, You, for the example of Stephen's purposeful and singleminded life.
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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