So my Church, The Summit, is going through a series in the book of Acts. In addition to going through the book in church and in my church small group my small group through CRU (campus ministry) is also going through Acts. Needless to say, Ive had a lot of Acts in my life for the past few months.
Every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday night, Ive been reading through the same stories Ive heard a hundred times before with different groups of incredible life giving people and have found new meanings in all of them. Its amazing how differently you view things when reading them in different stages of your life.
One story which Ive had the privilege of reading again recently is the story of Stephen. In the past, Ive remembered stephen as a guy who told off some bad people and got stoned for it but man was I missing a lot when I limited the purpose of his life in that one sentence! STEPHEN WAS AWESOME. he was awesome. If I ever have a son, I would pray for him to have the boldness and desire for God that Stephen had.
If you need a little reminder of his story, here is my very short synopsis:
During the first century, the apostles had huge momentum going when it came to spreading the gospel. At times, they found they were so busy that they needed some “interns” to help out with acts of servant hood and demonstrating love throughout their ministry sites. In comes Stephen, he was one of seven people chosen to fill this “intern” position. His jobs would often entail doing things like feeding the widows and caring for the orphans but he was always looking to do more. Stephen was SO FILLED with the spirit that he had to tell everyone around him about the love he had for Jesus. After hearing about his preaching, the Sanhedrin (supreme religious leaders in the Land of Isreal) arrested him and took him to trial. During his trial, Stephen gave a speech. His speech, the longest recorded speech in the book of Acts, basically summed up the entire Old Testament and at the end it he completely tore apart every one of the religious leaders there. After laying out all this history, he says
“you stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: you always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him-you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”
DANG. get it Stephen! he was so passionate, and not worried about the backlash that was sure to come after this bold statement. Stephen was then stoned for his preaching and words against the Sanhedrin but even whilst being stoned, he watches heaven open and sees Jesus at the right hand of God. AND THEN he says “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” WHAT!?! these people are stoning you to death and you ask for the father to forgive them? Ill be honest, I don’t think that would be one of the top 10 things id be thinking while being stoned. After his stoning, the witnesses gather their clothes and lay them at the feet of Saul, who oversaw the stoning.
Stephen was the first Christian Martyr and was a huge part of Saul’s transformation to Paul. Paul would later become one of the hugest influences in christian history and would write 13 books of the New Testament no doubt as some result of having seen this incredible young man willingly die for his Savior.
This story has meant so much to me this pat week. After reading it three times with three different groups, I cant help but feel convicted of the fact that I rarely feel as bold as Stephen felt when sharing the gospel. I know that this was not from his own desires but as a result of being filled with the holy spirit. NEWS FLASH DREA, you got the holy spirit girl! How wonderful is it to know that we have inside of us, the same spirit that Stephen had when being stoned and when telling off all those religious leaders.
I know that while on the World Race, we will undoubtedly encounter people will the attitudes of the Sanhedrin. Times have changed and facing stoning is not probable but even so, opposition is to be expected. Yet, i’m not afraid and neither should you! Because Jesus has called us to do something incredible and even when facing persecution, he is standing at the right hand of God watching us bring glory to the father and advancing his kingdom. In partnering with me in this ministry you are sending me to the nations. You are a part of this ministry and when we stand before God, I believe you will be able to see everyone who was effected by the prayers and support you provided…people from Albania who found Christ through door to door ministry, kids from china who were able to hear about Christ through VBS, Leaders in Botswana who were able to see a glimpse of Gods love for them through the kind actions of strangers. The possibilities for life change are endless! Please prayerfully consider partnering with me and when you’re ready give me a call or shoot me an email at [email protected]. I would love to meet up with you and talk about the love that jesus has shown me and the reason Ive decided to go on this crazy year long challenge, giving up comfort and this beautiful country we call America in order to be used by God to change the world we live in. God Bless!
Your sister in Christ,
Drea
