Read Acts 7 – We are still in the moment with Stephen. His face is as bright as an angels and he speaks with wisdom and eloquence. He gives a summary of biblical history from Abraham through the murder of Jesus in verses :1-53. It made the religious leaders furious and they acted out in rage. Rage is a dangerous beast, and their behavior is insane.
Meanwhile, Stephen is having an encounter with the Lord Jesus: “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” :56. Their rage escalates and they drag Stephen out of the city and stone him, :58. Stoning is a horrific way to die, yet Stephen seems to be in the Lord’s hands throughout it… his final words are, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!”
Beloved, God is with you in your trials and times of persecution. Stephen is the spark that will ignite Christianity to the ends of the earth. Jesus says, “Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives,” John 12:24 Death seems like an end, but truly, the best is yet to come. And for those who remain, Stephen’s life continues to bring truth and life throughout time. Ask yourself, what will your legacy be?
Judy in the Sky 