Acts 7 vs. 54 – 58
“When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices; they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 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.”
Today’s verses take place at the end of a speech which Stephen an early Christian gave to the Jewish leaders. What is remarkable about the speech was the boldness with which Stephen declared the gospel in order to convince the Jewish leaders that they were guilt sinners who needed the Lord’s forgiveness. What Stephen had to say was difficult and it certainly didn’t make his listeners feel comfortable because they ended up stoning him.
Sometimes Christians have things to say to other people that won’t be comfortable for them to hear, the gospel never is because no-one likes to be told of their spiritual condition or how they need forgiveness for their sins and perhaps we might shy away from speaking such words. But remember that there will be times that following Jesus takes us out of our comfort zone and that if we need to be willing to deny ourselves, the right to live comfortably, take up our cross and follow Jesus, just as Stephen did.
Thankfully the Lord who makes big demands on his people is also the same God who helps his people. Don’t we read in these verses how he helped Stephen as he preached by filling him with the Holy Spirit and when the crowd was about to lynch him he looked up to heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, thus giving him encouragement that he was doing what the Lord wanted. Never be afraid to speak for the Lord when the opportunity arises because the Lord will give you the strength you need and remember he is listening and is will not forget how you spoke up for him.
So like Stephen don’t be afraid to be bold for the Lord.
Prayer points
Give thanks that the gives his people strength.
Ask the Lord to remind you that he is always listening when you share him with other people.
Pray for the USA, that the violence will end and justice will be done.
