“And they stoned Stephen…and he
kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sin to their
charge…” Acts 7:59 & 60
Around the world, the gospel has
most often taken root in places prepared by the blood of martyrs. But before
people can give their lives for the gospel, they must first live
their lives for the gospel. One way God trains his servants is to place them in
insignificant positions. Their desire to serve Christ is translated into the
reality of serving others. In the case
of Stephen his life was the epitome of giving one’s life in servitude for the purpose
of the gospel reaching others. They
stoned him to death while he prayed for their forgiveness. His final words show
how much like Jesus he had become in just a short time. His death had a lasting
impact on young Saul (Paul), who would move from being a violent persecutor of
Christians to being one of the greatest champions of the gospel the church has
known. Stephen's life is a continual
challenge to all Christians. Because he was the first to die for the faith, his
sacrifice raises questions today: are you living for Christ in way that allows
you to give to others?
HSAY…Todd
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