Stephen – Judy in the Sky

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?

Read Acts 6 – Discontent, discrimination and lies…. Does that sound familiar? There is truly nothing new under the sun.

The beautiful unity of Acts 4:32 has worn thin as the church began to grow. There was discontent over the treatment of the widows between those who spoke Greek and those who spoke Hebrew. The apostles recognized that it was time to delegate the responsibility and selected seven well respected men who were full of the Spirit and wisdom.

Beloved, be wise about the little things that keep you from the most important things. Be discerning over your time and willing to entrust responsibility to others.

One of the chosen seven was Stephen: “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people,” 6:8. Some outside men called him to debate, but could not hold a candle to the wisdom and Spirit with which Stephen spoke(:10). Their hearts were so hard that they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen with accusations of blasphemy…. humanity at its finest… they could have opened their eyes and surrendered their hearts, but instead they chose to persecute. Yet, the Lord was with Stephen and his countenance became as bright as an angel’s(:15).

Beloved, even when it seems hopeless, stand firm in the truth. God is with you and doing things far and above what you see. Do not lose faith.