(First Steps takes us today into an account of painful persecution and the suffering and death of an innocent man in Acts, chapter 7.) While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. - Acts 7:59-60 (NIV) ________________________________________ Stephen. Chosen as a deacon to serve the church. The meaning of the word from the original Greek language, diaconos, literally translates as servant or waiter on tables. We only hear about this man briefly in Scripture, but his example of humility, courage and selfless, sacrificial servanthood resonates across the ages, as a profound and dynamic model of Christ-likeness, faith and bold devotion to the calling of God. Stephen, the deacon was doing only what he was called to do when he was confronted with arguments, accusations, threats and the deceptive lies of the religious legalists. They were desperate to put an end to this swelling tide of the new and radical followers of this...Jesus. Stephen, it seems, represented the most imminent danger fo the continuation and spread of this craziness. Acts 6 tells us that he was hard at work and, full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8) Make no mistake, by hook or crook, by legal or other means, the Jewish leadership determined that Stephen and the rest of these Christians must be stopped! So they arrested him, brought him before a kangaroo court, dragged him outside of the city walls and proceeded to put him to death. Sound like a familiar scenario? Now, here is where the genuine heart of discipleship, devotion and acceptance of the way of his Lord bursts to the forefront. Despite the injustice and the coldly calculated acts of desperation by murderous men, still Stephen unfailingly reflected the heart and the character of Jesus, his Lord. Please note that even as the stones began to fly and strike him, his first cries were not from fear or pain, but to pray. He did not ask God to deliver him, or to protect him, or to exact revenge on his persecutors. He accepted and perhaps even counted his suffering and death as an honor for the opportunity to follow in the steps of Jesus, and he prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. The words sound eerily like those of the Lord who prayed from the cross, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. (Luke 23:46) Even as Stephen breathed his final breath it was spent emulating his Lord as he forgave his assailants and asked, Lord, do not hold this sins against them, in just the same way that Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Boldness, courage, servanthood, forgiveness, faith, compassion, grace, truth and throughout, until the very end...love. These things marked the purpose, the calling and the life of Stephen. All the same things that mirror the life of the Lord Jesus. In life, we will have pain, hardship, suffering, injustice, betrayals and in the end, even physical death. And yet, in and through all of these things, if we will love and remain faithful to The One who suffered all of these things for us, God will work everything together for our ultimate good. (Romans 8:28) Think that might not be true? Then please, do not miss the end of Acts 7, because it tells us that the man who likely initiated and orchestrated the trial and execution of Stephen was present and approving of the act. His name was Saul, and in his future he would become an example of Gods sovereignty and grace and write the very words that confirm these things. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - The Apostle Paul (Romans 8:28)
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 16:38:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015