They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 7:58
Lord, Stephen didn’t sign up for this! Wasn’t he one of the seven chosen to serve the daily distributions to the widows? Wasn’t this the ministry that was formed by the Apostles to allow them to concentrate on preaching? Stephen was minding his own business. He was focused on doing the ministry he was called to do. He was taking care of your table, serving the daily needs of your flock.
All of a sudden, BOOM! The grumblers call him into a dispute and debate - An incident which cost him his life.
Lord, this is another uncomfortable story! None of us signed up for stones or death when we made a commitment to follow you in Christian service. Nobody said anything about stones and death! Plus, Stephen wasn’t even out to convert anybody or pushing his beliefs on any one. He was simply serving at your table. He became a target by living and imparting your truth by his faithfulness.
I’ve thrown many stones in my life time. I’ve also been hit by them as well. I think that is why this story makes me so uncomfortable.
Father God, forgive me for casting stones and siding with the grumbling crowd. Fill me with the faithfulness of your Holy Spirit. Help me learn to simply serve at your table, come what may. Let your love and grace shine through my life no matter the circumstance.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
When Grumblers Cast Stones
Posted by sojourner at 11:10 AM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Father,
It's no accident that Yvette and i are traversing the book of Acts at the same time.
Fill us afresh today and each day with Your Spirit's power that we may receive revelation and so become Your living word.
How can Your word unite us, Lord
and unite us in prayer?
Father, I too have cast many stones, please forgive me. As I read today about Lazarus, and how the chief Priest made plans to kill him also, because his testimony was leading others to Christ, it seems unfair. Lazarus did not even speak a word, others saw what Christ had done in his life and they turned, why do others desire to destroy what you have done? This baffles me.
I agree with Laure give us a revelation so we will become Your living word...help us to guard ourselves against fear of what man thinks and look only to You.
Jesus in Your name we cut off all imposing thoughts and accusations and follow only you.
Thank you Jesus that you are calling your people to be one in prayer.
Amen
I liked these reflections here-
"wasn’t even out to convert anybody or pushing his beliefs on any one. He was simply serving at your table-He became a target by living and imparting your truth by his faithfulness..and the last part you closed this with. Yes, come what may. I guess we shouldn't be shocked either way. Great post-
Post a Comment