Acts 7:38-60
This week we continue the history lesson as the story turns sour, when God’s special people reject Him.
Stephen is standing before the high council accused of blaspheming God, Moses, and the Temple
The Israelites were complaining about God’s provision.
While God was writing the 10 commandment on the stone tablets with His own finger, His special people were at the bottom of the mountain breaking them.
Stephen turns the spotlight from the wickedness of the Israelites and turns it to the religious leaders.
The council was accusing Stephen of blasphemy against God and Moses, Stephen is accusing the council of being guilty of killing the Son of God, and the prophets.
The council was not Stephen’s accusations. They were convicted in their hearts, but instead of repentance they manifested anger.
As Stephen was about to be killed for his witness, he saw Jesus standing up, welcoming Stephen into glory.
As Stephen was being brutally killed, by having large, heavy stones thrown at him until he died, he looked to God to receive him and prayed for forgiveness for those who were killing him, echoing Jesus.
Application
- Let us always be careful not to complain about the blessings of God in your life.
- Do whatever God has called you to do, to the best of your ability, faithfully, in a way pleasing to God
- Stephen died peacefully, because He was certain that that God was standing to welcome him home. He knew, without doubt, that he was going to Heaven, to be in peace and joy for eternity. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and choose to live for Him, then you, too can have the confidence that Stephen had
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