“On that day a great persecution broke out
against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered
throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for
him.” (Acts 8:1-2)
Reading
again the events that led to the first Christian martyrs death I’m confronted
with a simple question.
Why?
Stephan
was hand selected by the Apostles to care for issues within the church. It
appears Stephen was doing well at his assignments and along the way was
witnessing his faith to all who would listen. Yet some bad characters who didn’t
believe the message had Stephan arrested and put on trial which ultimately led
to his death. Why did God let this happen to such a good witness? Why not
intercede and rescue Stephen from persecution and a painful death?
Perhaps Stephens’
death led to more people carrying the Gospel to places they never would have.
Perhaps Stephens’ tragic death emboldened others who faced similar persecution
to remain faithful to the end. We will not know the full measure of God’s plan
in allowing this to happen to Stephen but in keeping with Romans 8:28 we can be
sure that God used this tragedy for Stephan’s ultimate good and for the good of
other Christians. Even in pain, tears, loss, grief, and sadness God is good and
working on behalf of his people. We need not always know why or how but we can
certainly trust that he is.
Stand like Stephen
Men please stand and pray
the following with me. “Stephen was a great Christian to the end. He showed
wisdom and the Holy Spirit to other people even when it was inconvenient. I’ve
not always been good at that, in fact, I’ve failed. My strength as a leader for
my family and others in my life does not come from me but the Savior who has
first forgiven me. I stand for Christ. The enemy is not my spouse, children,
boss, or people. I remember the enemy is the devil and sin that so easily
destroys. I stand for my family. I will stand with them in glory if it be your
will Lord.”
Women please stand and
pray the following with me. “Stephen was a great Christian to the end. I want
God to create more and more men like Stephen. I have not always supported the
men in my life, in fact, I’ve torn them down. My strength to support and
encourage Godly leaders is from my Savior who has forgiven me. I stand for
Christ. I stand to support my family. I will stand with them in glory if it be
your will Lord.”
In what way will
you stand up for Christ today?
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