Acts 7 Stephen
(Click the link to get to the passage)
Stephen's response to being on the
brink of being stoned to death is breathtaking. He preaches a sermon more
inspiring and eloquent when faced with his own death than most of us could with
hours of planning. His understanding of the scriptures shines through, and his
conviction about the truth of Jesus is undeniable. His vision of Jesus standing
in Heaven bears witness to his relationship with Jesus and the reality of his
faith. That he can face his death whilst asking Jesus to forgive them shouts of
his ability to lay all at the feet of his saviour.
The likelihood is that we will not
face martyrdom. The fact that others do should remind is to pray about those
areas of the world. But the story of Stephen goes one step further: it paves
the way for us to see the amazing transformation of the life of Saul,
persecuting the Christians but brought to faith by an encounter with the risen
Jesus.
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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