Yesterday morning in Sunday School our Pastor taught a lesson on Stephen. Although he was an amazing Christian we kind-of- like to pass over his story because his end was not so pretty.
The disciples were being persecuted but they decided that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus' sake. Wow! Simply because they were preaching the Words of God. (Acts 5:41)
There was a murmuring~ arguing~ fussing because the widows were not being provided for. So the disciples looked out and found a man of honest report~ well respected. He was full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. The man they picked was Stephen ~whom they placed over this business that was being neglected. The Bible calls him a man of faith.
It goes on to tell us in Acts 6:8 that he did many great things and miracles among the people. God had His hand on Stephen~ no denying that. Many times when people try to stand on the Word of God ~ others will criticize them. Sad to say~ even those sitting in the pews. It ought not be so! They begin to spread rumors and gossip about Stephen. Yet~ the Bible said he had the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15)
It just gets plain ugly ~read it for yourself in Acts 6 and 7. We all know this hero of the faith was cast of of the city and they begin to pick up stone after stone and stoned him to his death.
Acts 7:59-60
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
I know that when Stephen closed his eyes as those stones were crushing his very skull ~ he woke up a saint not with just the face of an angel.
Do I count myself worthy to suffer for standing on the Word of God even when it is not popular with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.? Do I have the face of an angel? Am I holy? Am I wise? Am I filled with the Holy Ghost?
You see it does not matter what others think or say. It only matters what God says in His Word. That is our plum line for life. Stephen is a hero because He obeyed God even unto death.
When I get to Heaven I want to meet this wise ~ Godly man who wasn't afraid to take a stand.
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