"Rocks raining down, but praise going up" Acts 7:56, Bible in 90 days
Scripture: Acts 7:56, 59-60 MSG He said, “Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!” As the rocks rained down, Stephen prayed, “Master Jesus, take my life.” Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear, “Master, don’t blame them for this sin”-his last words. Then he died. Saul was right there, congratulating the killers.
Observation: My brother mentioned Stephen to me last night when we were talking and I had never even heard of him before. But then I go to do my reading and boom! There he is. What a wonderful example of someone who loved God! Even in his death he was still praising God! And he not only lived the life of a Christian, he knew the history of WHY we live this way. He broke it all the way down when asked: talked about Moses and David as though he lived during that time! But of course they killed him anyway, and as he was being stoned to death he cried out for God not to punish them for that sin. He loved them, even though they hated him. This is a true example of “love your enemies’
Application: Would you be as brave as Stephen? Would you cry out for God to forgive your killers? I don’t know if I could be so brave. Stephen knew he was going to die, but he also knew that God and Jesus were waiting for him when he died. That must make death less scary, if you KNOW Jesus will greet you on the ‘other side.’ I’m certainly going to work on the ‘love your enemies’ message and I’ll report back to ya’ll on how it’s going. Prayer: Father I know I have a long way to go, but I’m proud of my progress. I’m watching you step in on my behalf at every turn and I am thankful! Thank you for your Word and for this story of Stephen. Fill my mind with you Word so that if I am asked to describe a Bible scripture, story, etc, I can do it with the joy he had. Surround me with your light. And thank you for protecting me and my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Created about 1 year ago
