Stephen

Scripture: 54 When they heard these things, they were overtaken with violent rage filling their souls, and they gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, overtaken with great faith, was full of the Holy Spirit. He fixed his gaze into the heavenly realm and saw the glory and splendor of God – and Jesus, who stood up at the right hand of God. 56 “Look!” Stephen said, “I can see the heavens opening and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God to welcome me home!” 57 His accusers covered their ears with their hands and screamed at the top of their lungs to drown out his voice. 58 Then they pounced on him and threw him outside the city walls to stone him. His accusers, one by one, placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul of Tarsus. 59 As they hurled stone after stone at him, Stephen prayed, “Our Lord Jesus accept my spirit into your presence.” 60 He crumpled to his knees and shouted in a loud voice, “Our Lord, don’t hold this sin against them.” And then he died. (Acts 7:54-60 The Passion) In the previous chapter of Acts, we read about the apostles choosing the seven that were to serve. Stephen was one of those chosen and was said to be “known as a man full of faith and overflowing with the Holy Spirit.” And now we see him so courageously and clearly telling the story of God’s faithfulness to His people. But those hearing him were not willing to listen with their hearts open. And so they stoned Stephen to death, and there was Saul of Tarsus…but that is a later story. Stephen was faithful to the very end! Father, he was faithful to the very end. I certainly do not wish for the same kind of end, but I do so want to be faithful to the end of my life. AMEN Lord God, Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. Yes, I’m overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following You. The way You counsel and correct me makes me praise You more, for Your whispers in the night give me wisdom. Psalm 16
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