Stephen- courage for a costly journey
The book of Acts is full of movement, energy and purpose. This was an exciting time in the history of God's people- but the journeys of Jesus' faithful followers were often full of danger. Sometimes when we read Acts we wish that our churches today could be like the early church, but would we really want our journeys to be like those of these early Christians?
In Acts 6: 7 we read, "The word of God continued to spread; the number of disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many priests became obedient to the faith.
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people."
But only a chapter later, we read that Stephen is on trial for his life. The journey that he is on is taking him to new and exciting places, but for some of those around him, the challenge was too great so instead of joining him, their fear led them to attack him.
"Some of them...stood up and argued with Stephen. They set up false witnesses who said 'This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law, for we have heard that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.' "
Acts 6:9,13,14
How do we react if our journey calls us to challenging places? Do we have the courage of Stephen, who even on the brink of death, saw only the glory of God?
"But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:55
As we approach Holy Week, may this be our prayer- that wherever God calls us, whatever challenges our journey holds, we will keep our eyes fixed on the One who has travelled this road before us and is calling us home.
In Acts 6: 7 we read, "The word of God continued to spread; the number of disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many priests became obedient to the faith.
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people."
But only a chapter later, we read that Stephen is on trial for his life. The journey that he is on is taking him to new and exciting places, but for some of those around him, the challenge was too great so instead of joining him, their fear led them to attack him.
"Some of them...stood up and argued with Stephen. They set up false witnesses who said 'This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law, for we have heard that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.' "
Acts 6:9,13,14
How do we react if our journey calls us to challenging places? Do we have the courage of Stephen, who even on the brink of death, saw only the glory of God?
"But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:55
As we approach Holy Week, may this be our prayer- that wherever God calls us, whatever challenges our journey holds, we will keep our eyes fixed on the One who has travelled this road before us and is calling us home.
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