Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Acts 7:54-60.
If I were asked, who said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” I would most likely say that Jesus uttered these words on the cross. In fact, according to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus uttered words very similar to this in those agonizing moments. But this story is about Stephen, and these words are his.
Imagine with me for a moment…Stephen was chosen to ensure that the Greek widows in the church received their fair share of food. He apparently did that ministry faithfully, but he did not stop there. He did signs and wonders among the people, and Jews who had not accepted Christ made up false charges against him. He spoke beautifully before the Sanhedrin, recounting God’s covenant with the Children of Israel, brought to fruition with the covenant in Jesus Christ, whom Stephen said he could see in heaven. The members of the Sanhedrin dragged him into the street and began slamming heavy stones upon him. Imagine having, in that horribly painful situation, the love to pray for the forgiveness of those killing you. Stephen used the words of Christ, and you and I can do no better than that!
Personal Worship Option:
Thank you, Almighty God, for the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, giving us examples of unfailing commitment to Christ. Help me to have just some of the love for others that Stephen showed in this passage. Help me to use and live out the words of Christ. Amen.
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