While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. –Acts 7:59-60
Stephen was one of the seven that were chosen by the disciples to assist in the daily distribution of food. He was a man that was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. He was so well versed in the word of God that he was able speak boldly about him to all that would listen. Upon hearing him one day, his persecutors, members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen were so angered that they convinced others that he was speaking blasphemously against God and the Law of Moses. Stephen was then seized and brought before the Sanhedrin to face judgment. While under trail, he recounted the history of Israel as the story of God saving a stubborn people like his persecutors. Because they just could not handle this truth, they dragged him out and stoned him to death. The verses above were Stephen’s last words, breathing forgiveness, not condemnation, just like Jesus.
Like Stephen, millions of Christians have also died because of their faith. If you were put on trial and asked to justify the faith that you have, what would you say?
Acts 6:15 tells us that “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” This is what happens when we become full of faith; our countenance reflects the glory of God, and we look like angels. God longs for us all to get to this place, a place where the world sees us and sees God; a place where our entire being reflects the glory of God; a place where we know so much about God that we are willing to face trials and boldly justify our faith in Christ; and most importantly, a place where we completely become like Christ.
Let us decide today to work diligently towards getting to the place that God longs for us to be. Let us decide today to completely drench ourselves in the word of God so that we may boldly proclaim it to all that will listen. Let us decide to take a stand for God regardless of what the consequences may be. Let us decide today that if we ever faced death or persecution, we would pray for our persecutor’s forgiveness and not for their condemnation. Let us decide today that FOR CHRIST, WE ARE WILLING TO DIE IN ORDER TO LIVE!
“If Stephen had not prayed, the Church would not have had Paul.” –St. Augustine. Brethren, you never know whom your prayers can save; never stop praying for others, not even in the face of death.
Stay blessed and spread the word.
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DYING TO LIVE