Acts 7

Posted on May 15, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Monday

Ready for a great closing argument?

In our reading on Friday we were introduced to Stephen, a man of great faith. He was chosen as one of the men to help with the distribution of food and was also gifted by the Holy Spirit with the ability to do miracles. Stephen gets into a debate with some guys known as the “Freedman or Libertarians”. (There are varying opinions of who these Jews were, but most popular belief is that they were Roman slaves who had been set free and had their own synagogue.) Eventually others get involved in the discussion but Steven, who is full of the Holy Spirit has more wisdom and understanding and this makes them angry, so they bring false accusations against Steven (does this sound familiar? – remember the people who lied about Jesus before the Council – seems like Satan likes to use the same tactics over and over again.)
 

Stephen is given a chance to speak and he lets the Council have it. First he reminds them of their history, starting with Abraham. He tells them of the story of Joseph’s rise to greatness and then how the famine caused the Hebrews to move to Egypt.  Stephen reminds them of how God has promised certain things would happen, like the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt and how Moses would lead the people through the exodus. He tells about the time in the Wilderness and then the greatness of King David. Stephen also shared with them the number of times throughout their history as God’s Chosen People, they refused to listen to God and turned their backs on Him. Denying the words of the prophets. Stephen’s words were very powerful as he brought these truthful accusations to the Jewish leaders. They didn’t want to hear how they had perverted the very Word of God or how they had persecuted those sent by God. Their anger raged and Stephen was killed, but not before he looked up and saw into heaven, saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

The words that Stephen uses echo those of Jesus on the cross. What a great and powerful witness.

It makes me so very sad to see these Jewish leaders cut short such an incredible life. You wonder what good things he could he have accomplished, but then we have to trust that God knows what he is doing. Those who witnessed Steven’s unwavering belief in Jesus, the Messiah, will speak to generations of people who are being persecuted. I believe that those who are martyred for the faith are given a gift of encouragement and insight to take them through their trial. It is not unlike any trail that we face. Jesus is always there; He is never out of touch or reach of our needs.

He didn’t stop what happened to Stephen, but he never left him to face this stoning alone. We have to know that Jesus may not calm the storm around us, but he will calm the storm within us.

If you are facing a difficult time, please know that Jesus is with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

Blessings

Pastor Kathy