We are reading two chapter today as they go together. They are the story of Stephen. In chapter 6 he was first seen as someone who was chosen to fill a need - one of seven who were chosen to take care of the feeding of the widows. Notice that Stephen is the only one who is described as a man who was "full of faith and the Holy Spirit". It must have been pretty noticeable from his life! I wonder what he did to make it so noticeable? Stephen was pretty bold in chapter 7. He basically told the church leaders that they were "stubborn" and "heathens". Wow - you only do that sort of thing when you know that you know that you know what you are talking about. Saul was a witness to Stephen's death. I believe the Lord used his death as a witness to many people, including Saul. When I read about these kind of things happening, it stirs my faith. In the days ahead, we are going to have to be willing to stand up for what we say we believe. Stephen is such a good example of someone who was used to tell people the truth. They sure didn't like it! He laid down his life - and it spoke to many people.
"Thank you Lord for the life of Stephen. Raise up Stephens in this day - young men and women who are willing to speak the truth no matter what the consequences to them."
What did you see in the life of Stephen that impressed you?
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“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power . . . none of them were able to stand against the wisdom and spirit by which Stephen spoke . . . (vs. 6a & 10) . . . so they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen . . . (vs. 11a) and while these men were telling lies, everyone in the council stared at Stephen because his face became as bright as an angel’s.” (vs. 15) Wow . . . if we are full of God’s grace and power and speaking God’s wisdom, anointed by the Holy Spirit, we don’t have to answer the lies people speak. God will use our countenance! When people are lying about us or hurting us, is the first thing out of our mouth, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin” ??? Ouch for me! Forgive me, Lord.
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