The cabin lights were dim when the airplane began to dip and jerk. I was flying home from visiting my sister, who at the time lived in Hawaii, and I was aware that we were flying over the vast Pacific Ocean. The plane lurched again, sending my stomach to my throat. Seated between two strangers, I grabbed the armrests with a white knuckle grip, closed my eyes, and prayed. I wish I could say that I had profound thoughts, or a hopeful glimpse of eternity. But all I could think was, I don’t want to die between these two strangers.
In Acts 7, we witness one of the first displays of murderous violence against Christ’s Church. Stephen had been chosen to care for the growing number of new believers—in particular, the community’s widows—and so powerful was his ministry, a group of Jewish leaders within the community rose up in opposition, fearing their loss of influence. There was no doubt about their intentions. Acts 6:12 says they “dragged him off” (HCSB), and brought him to the Sanhedrin. Stephen must have recognized the pattern. It is what had happened to Jesus before a crowd yelled, “Crucify him!”
What would your last words be? Would you ask the murderous crowd for mercy? Would you defend yourself? Stephen does neither. Instead, he launches into an Old Testament exegesis worthy of the world’s best seminary. Throughout history, he says, Israelites have rejected the leaders and prophets God sent to them. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Moses was rejected by his Hebrew neighbors. Having just escaped Egypt, the Israelites still resist God in the desert, begging Aaron to build them a calf to worship. Time and time again, God’s people cut off His outstretched arm. “You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51).
He isn’t able to tell the part of the story that we long to hear. He can’t explain the grace that Jesus offers to all of us stiff-necked resisters, because the crowd can’t stand it anymore. Imagine the rush of terror they drag him outside of the city. Coats are thrown down, rocks are picked up. And there goes the first stone. Dust flies up, and now, he is crying out. But he doesn’t call down judgment. He begs God to forgive.
Stephen is the Church’s first martyr. His life was marked by joy, service, and profound suffering. His last words were not about himself, or the injustice of his end. His last thoughts were of his Savior, and of the forgiveness available to all, through Christ’s mercy.
Oh and LEXI B and all those with tough stuff in career…
I woke up in the middle of the night a few days ago, and had a rare feeling of complete PEACE in my Saviour! It is making me tearful and wanting to pray for each of you:
Lord,
KARRIE and her family’s healing and joy; VALENTINA & Victoria; blessings for SEARCHING and KELLY and all those who pray and follow-up so diligently re: our needs/wants; ERB for her continued zest, zeal, health & brother — lift her up as she does us and Your Word; VICTORIA E’s family and all those who are pregnant, fill her and hubby with unshakable hope; all the new moms with the joys/difficulties/anxiety/awe that can accompany a baby; all childless mothers that You would show them that You have something perfect for them, perhaps exactly (or not at all) what they imagine for themselves; favour for FOSTER MAMA to be fully understood in a way that will heal “her” babies, their new parents and the relationships; for those looking for you to bless their singleness but, perhaps hoping for marriage; all those who’s physical or mental health is wavering; all those recovering from illness or waiting on a diagnosis, please facilitate the path; for those have experienced loss sometimes in unspeakable ways; for CHURCHMOUSE because we all miss her; for TINA’s light to continue to shine bright; for freedom from pride; for ALL the hearts broken over our own and/or someone else’s distance from you; for JULIA, MARTHA H, KRISTEN, GRAMSIESUE, MAURA, ARINA, TRACI G, ADRIENNE, BROOKE P, NIKKI T, DOROTHY, ((Uh-oh, being rushed out the door!!))for all those who’s names I have forgotten but, who’s needs I have not;… GENUINELY FOR EVERY SINGLE ONE of my sisters here, whether commenting or not, who’s hearts YOU know, who come together before you each day, sometimes with fervour, sometimes distracted, sometimes out of fear or obligation, often thirsty for You,…
Lord, I lay ALL these and the uncertainty / doubt / fear/etc. that creeps in SO easily…at Your feet. Lord Jesus, crush satan and his evil under our feet
(Lately, my mother who has often prayed “MY Father, who art in Heaven…” when I have struggled lately has encouraged me to go to my “powerful Daddy” and go sit on His lap, knowing he’ll listen. God willing, my parents are coming over this weekend…hubby and I have recently acquired a piece of art called “Child of God” by Mark Missman. I think Mom will love it; check it out Sisters!…it has been a blessing to me.)
I hope coherent…
I love how on the Podcast, Christine Caine mentions that Jesus, who is usually sitting, was standing at the right hand of God and this is one of the only places in the bible that mentions He did that. How beautiful to know that Jesus was standing for Steven. I had never really thought of that until the podcast. I also have this thought- I want to have enough faith that Jesus stands up for me!
Again, thank you all so much for your prayers. As things at work seem to get worse God continues to bless my business.
Praise report time: I got accepted into Fresno Black Chamber Betting Big Program! I had my first meeting last night. They are pretty much helping us get everything we need to fully launch our business, have access to capital, mentors, legal and accounting services, an intern and have a fully written business plan by January. I’m excited! With the program I have a new time commitment for classes for the next three months on Tuesdays and Thursdays until Jan 22. It’s back to school for me, but I am so thankful to God for the opportunity. My biggest fear was that I have no business experience and now He’s provided me with a program that will teach me all I need to know.
@Karrie-God, please be with Karrie’s girls right now. I’m sure they are and have been extremely hurt. Please help them see past their hurt and into the reconciliation that You have brought upon Karrie and her husband. Help them to also join in being reconciled in this relationship.
I thought about writing this yesterday, but decided to wait until today since Saul/Paul had not made his appearance yet in our reading. Yesterday one of the sub-passages was from 1 Timothy 3 listing the qualifications for a Deacon. PAUL wrote that list to Timothy. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had thoughts or flashbacks of Stephen, whom he accepted the responsibility of his death for, as he was writing that list.
I too have been missing CHURCHMOUSE’s insight and wisdom. So thankful for the rest of you SRT sisters who bring wisdom and insight to the rest of us, and deep respect for those of you who do so daily. I also pray for and praise with the many prayer requests and then later praise updates as they are written when God brings them to mind. You and your loved ones are all treasures and greatly loved by our wonderful Creator.
I know I had mentioned a prayer request on here a while ago for salvation for my unbelieving sister, Victoria. Please continue to pray for her salvation, that she will come to realize that she will not find true hope in any other name but the Name of Jesus.
Thank u for your prayers @searching. Life has been rough lately and my morning SRT is the one thing I look forward to! Please pray for my girls to soften their hearts toward my husband and forgive him as we are trying to reconcile. We are living in separate houses at the moment and the girls are making it extremely difficult to work things out. Also, with so much tension and pressure, I find it difficult to get out of bed each morning and feel exhausted all day long. I’m fighting depression these days and not sure how to dig out of this hole. Please pray for my family, to restore joy and happiness back into our home.
Amen Kelly!
Stephen DID finish his sermon! His giving his life spoke volumes about his DEEP faith in Jesus! And it spoke to Paul as he referred to the impact Stephen’s stoning had on him.