Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Acts 6:1-7; 7:51-60 (NRSV)
The stoning of Stephen
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word." What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. ...
"You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it."
When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
DEVOTION
Now, I will admit that I am a little shocked by today’s choice of scripture (giggles).
I am still in a sunny, happy, joyful, excited, and stuffed mood after my CHRISTmas celebrations on yesterday!
I am full of the Holy Spirit and overflowing with the love of my family; so you can imagine my surprise when I realized that today’s Revised Common Lectionary scripture was the stoning of Stephen.
As I prayed about what Spirit wanted us to notice about this scripture, I was struck by Stephens’s bold witness, as well as his vision of Jesus at the right hand of God!
On this day, I hope that we will remember to proclaim JESUS when it is easy (on CHRISTmas Day) and when it is hard (any other day).
See, people are often receptive to the good news message on holy days like CHRISTmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day. I actually know people who only go to church on these days!
But, as CHRISTians, we are called to proclaim JESUS 24/7/365. Some days it will be easy and on other days it will be hard. But, on all days we are commissioned to go into the entire world sharing the good news that Christ has died! Christ has risen! Christ shall come again!
Like Stephen, we may be met with rejection. People may literally—or figuratively—“stone us” with their words, thoughts, or deeds. But, we must keep our eyes steadfastly fixed on Jesus upon whom our faith depends—from beginning to end!
When we are rejected—or stoned—by family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or enemies, we must not hold it against them! We must have the courage and the humility to pray, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do!”
Today is the day after CHRISTmas, but our message is still the same. JESUS is the reason for every season!
Let us pray:
Holy God, please make me bold in my proclamation of the good news! Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will not hold grudges against those who will not receive my testimony. I love you and I really want to share our love with others. Please enable and equip me to do this faithfully, no matter what the cost. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
THE INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
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