ACTS DAY 11 | Acts 7: 1-29
Imagine a singular candle, burning brightly in the enveloping darkness, its flame unwavering, even as the winds of adversity howl around it. In Acts 7:30-60, Stephen embodies this candle, shining resolutely till his last breath.
Stephen's impassioned speech, tracing the narrative of God's faithfulness, culminated with a rebuke of his listeners for their resistance to the Holy Spirit and the murder of the Just One, Jesus. Their reaction was fierce. But even as they gnashed their teeth, Stephen, filled with the Spirit, gazed into heaven, beholding Jesus standing at God's right hand – an affirmation of divine approval.
This wasn't just a vision for Stephen; it was his anchor. Amidst the tumult, his eyes remained focused on Christ. And as the crowd dragged him out and stoned him, Stephen's heart mirrored Christ's own, praying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."
Our world, too, is filled with winds that seek to snuff out our faith – moments of rejection, ridicule, or adversity for standing firm in Christ. Stephen's martyrdom serves as a powerful reminder to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus. When we do, not only do we draw strength and grace, but our lives become that unwavering candle, shining brightly for Christ, no matter the cost.
Today, let’s find courage in Stephen’s testimony. Let's shine with an unwavering light, focused on Christ, and extend grace even in the face of adversity.
Imagine a singular candle, burning brightly in the enveloping darkness, its flame unwavering, even as the winds of adversity howl around it. In Acts 7:30-60, Stephen embodies this candle, shining resolutely till his last breath.
Stephen's impassioned speech, tracing the narrative of God's faithfulness, culminated with a rebuke of his listeners for their resistance to the Holy Spirit and the murder of the Just One, Jesus. Their reaction was fierce. But even as they gnashed their teeth, Stephen, filled with the Spirit, gazed into heaven, beholding Jesus standing at God's right hand – an affirmation of divine approval.
This wasn't just a vision for Stephen; it was his anchor. Amidst the tumult, his eyes remained focused on Christ. And as the crowd dragged him out and stoned him, Stephen's heart mirrored Christ's own, praying, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."
Our world, too, is filled with winds that seek to snuff out our faith – moments of rejection, ridicule, or adversity for standing firm in Christ. Stephen's martyrdom serves as a powerful reminder to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus. When we do, not only do we draw strength and grace, but our lives become that unwavering candle, shining brightly for Christ, no matter the cost.
Today, let’s find courage in Stephen’s testimony. Let's shine with an unwavering light, focused on Christ, and extend grace even in the face of adversity.
Posted in Acts Devotional