God’s people are to be filled people. Not barely-enough people or just-a-trickle people, but filled to overflowing. The apostle Stephen knows what I mean.
Perhaps your frame of reference for him is “Stephen the Martyr,” the one who died at the hands of an angry religious mob just as the Church was being birthed. I don’t dispute the facts; Stephen did, in fact, become the first Christian martyr when he was mercilessly killed for his faith. It’s Stephen’s legacy I take issue with. As I look again at the details of Stephen’s life, recorded in Acts 6–7, it’s not his death that reaches through the pages and grabs my heart. It’s his life—his filled-to-overflowing life.
Scripture records that Stephen was a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). He didn’t have a teensy measure of faith, or enough faith to get by. Stephen was full of faith, and because of his faith in Jesus, he was also full of the Holy Spirit. Fast forward a few verses and we read that Stephen was “full of grace and power” (v.8), and again, the image is more than enough.
When pressed by the religious leaders, Stephen started preaching. Boy howdy, did that boy preach! His powerful words show us that he was full of wisdom and full of the truth found in Scripture. When his opponents became enraged and moved to silence once and for all, Scripture records:
Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven.
He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
He said, “Look, I see the heavens opened
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (Acts 7:55–56).
As he breathed his final breaths, Stephen cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” and asked that God would “not hold this sin against” those who’d killed him (vv.59–60). Sound familiar? If so, that’s because they echo the words Jesus uttered as He hung and died on the cross (Luke 23:46, 34). It’s as if Stephen was so filled with God’s words that they were at the very surface of his heart. When Stephen was squeezed, it was Jesus’s words that spilled out.
Oh, do not picture our brother Stephen buried and bloodied, for that is not all he was. Stephen’s heart was filled with love for his Savior because he was running over with wisdom, grace, and power. Because of Christ’s work for us and in us, we can be filled up too. Didn’t the apostle Paul urge us to “be filled with the Spirit”? (Ephesians 5:18). Doesn’t Scripture record that we can be “filled with encouragement” and “overflowing with joy [even] in all our afflictions”? (2Corinthians 7:4). Didn’t the prophet Micah proclaim that he was “filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD”? (Micah 3:8). Yes, God’s people are to be filled people.
Lord Jesus, make us more like Stephen, filled to overflowing with you.
Erika K. – what beautiful insights! “God can use anyone, anywhere for His glory.” Amen!
E… – I think the “legacy” that Erin Davis “takes issue” with is the version that remembers Stephen only for his death, without acknowledging the glory of Christ in his life. From what I understand from today’s devotional, Erin is calling readers to understand the fullness of Stephen’s true legacy, not just the short version of it that focuses on his death alone. That’s my take, anyway! Hope it helps!
“When he was squeezed, Jesus’ words spilled out.” Lord may that be my legacy.
Did anyone notice his position in society? He was the lunch lady. He and his fellow workers were chosen to help distribute the food. While he distributed the daily bread he offered these people the bread of life. May we never take our position in society for granted. God has us placed exactly where we are for a reason and purpose.
I myself was a lunch lady for several years and never thought of my position with much importance, but oh I pray that God used me as I served those kids in the cafeteria! God can use anyone, anywhere for His glory. And boy was Stephen a good example of a humble life lived in the power of the Spirit.
Love this perspective
I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Stephen. I originally was so upset by the way he died, but now understand he was too good for this earth and his early escape to Heaven from the evil on this earth was well deserved through his tireless ministry. Which brings me to wonder if ‘Stephen the Martyr’ is who the Stephens Ministries is named after? God, make me to be more like Stephen….unafraid to spread the good news of Your eternal kingdom, all while overflowing with constant faith and forgiveness, even in the eyes of death. In Jesus name I pray….
Ladies, you’ve shared such tremendous truths to hold onto today! Thank you
Erin, your statement is absolutely one to reflect upon and I’ll add Churchmouse‘s insight to it:
“When Stephen was squeezed, it was JESUS words that spilled out…and…”It is more likely I will have JESUS’ words on my lips at the time of my death if I have His words on my lips every day leading up to it.”
Have a Jesus-filled day Sisters!
Stephen shows that we are a stubborn people who continue to ignore the lessons of history as recorded in scripture. I thank God that He is a merciful God who loves us in spite of ourselves..
To “take issue with” his legacy means “to disagree with” his legacy. I don’t think this is what you meant?
The Life of Stephen made as much sense as the death of Stephen.