Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people.
Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.
When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for my father who celebrates his 65th birthday today.
What is it that you fear?
What is it that you value?
When we think about those who have given their lives for great causes, we see a heroism in them that we can strive for. We honor the soldiers who have given their lives for duty to their country. We honor the girl at Columbine High School who, when asked if she believed in God, said yes right before being shot.
We honor them because they gave their yes:
- Despite their fears
- For something / someone they value
Today we read about the first Christan martyr, Stephen. He gave his life for someone he valued more than his life. He gave his life without fearing death. He gave his life, and that is ultimate test to what he valued and who he trusted. Take care and God Bless.
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