Acts 7:54-60 The Stoning of Stephen

If Stephen's sacrificial service at the tables, Scripture knowledge, ministry with signs and wonders, and preaching are not impressing enough, let's take a look at how he handles his final moments of life on this earth before he falls asleep. His message caused a mass rage that moved the whole council to walk him out the door and outside the city to stone him. This reaction should not surprise me because Jesus told us that the world would hate us. More and more brothers and sisters in the faith are losing their lives in countries around the world for the message they preach. The Gospel message is certainly not a people pleaser. Why do I think that I have to please people with the Gospel to be able to win them over for the kingdom? Am I willing to preach the truth at the cost of my own life?

Stephen is able to remain calm in his final hour because of the power of the Holy Spirit upon him. The Holy Spirit enabled him at that moment to see the glory of God. Everything I do should be motivated by a heartfelt desire to see God glorified - ...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1Cor.10:31). I am not in the kingdom and do not work in the kingdom to satisfy my personal needs of security and significance. Just like Stephen, if my life on this earth is necessary to pave the way for the advancement of God's glory, so be it! My security and significance are in Christ and I will enjoy their fullness in his presence, not on earth.

The Holy Spirit also enabled Stephen to see Jesus standing at the right hand of God. If I am to give my all for the kingdom, I must not only be motivated properly, by God's glory, but I must fix my eyes on Jesus - Jesus only. His life is my model; his body is my bread; his blood is my drink; his Word is my daily sustenance. Jesus lived his life for the glory of the Father. Jesus is standing because he is still active; he is not done; the best is yet to come. He is at the right hand of God because he is an essential figure in God's reign and dominion. Jesus should be my all every day of my life.

Stephen was able to emulate Christ's behavior in his final moments because the Holy Spirit enabled him to see God's glory and Jesus standing at his right hand. Stephen is able to have mercy and compassion upon his executioners, just like Christ while he was on the cross. Christianity is not to be cool, calm, and collected in my own power, but in God's power. The Holy Spirit lives the life of Jesus in me and through me. I pray that my motive and goal will be the same as Stephen's: God's glory and God's Son Jesus. Stephen even emulates Jesus with his final words in giving his spirit.

Father, fill me with your Spirit to follow you with all my heart. May I be motivated by your glory, not my security and significance. May I see your Son Jesus as the goal of my faith and life. Empower me to live a Christ-like life even unto death. Amen.