Today we are reading Acts 7. In this chapter we read about the Stoning of Stephen. ”Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.“
Acts 7:54-60 ESV This is the story of the first Christian martyr. Stephen was killed for his testimony about Jesus. I used to read this story and think, “I can’t imagine ever being put in that position.” Lately, though, I have been. People so filled with hate, screaming profanities and threatening my wife. There are no limits anymore to bad behavior. We must decide now how we will act in those moments. Jesus allowed them to act out their wickedness. What will you do? May God be glorified by your response! Pastor Tim
