Hearts Turned Back to Egypt
I can't get over this verse. I've read Stephen's speech many times but I never quite got it until I saw this verse. The whole point of his speech was to tell the Jewish rulers that even thought God had sent the Christ to redeem them, they were turning their hearts back to their religious tradition and hardhearted sinfulness. What a powerful statement! They would rather go back and live as slaves in Egypt than walk through the desert to the Promised Land. I know Stephen is talking to Jewish rulers, but I have to guard my own heart. Where is it pointed? Toward God or back toward my former life? Toward eternal life or back toward empty pleasure? Toward Jesus or back toward my own selfishness? God help us all to turn our hearts toward Him. I don't want to be counted among those who "refused to obey." May my heart not reject God in any way and my heart be softened toward Jesus Christ.
