Acts 7:1-53 Stephen's Speech

Stephens’ Speech is an indictment against Israel and its leaders. He calls them stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, always resisting the Holy Spirit, following in the footsteps of their fathers. He summarizes the history of the nation to point out how they have rebelled against God throughout all that time and continue to do so still.

Stephen recaps Abraham’s call and covenant with God highlighting the promises of land and a people. The rebellion of the patriarchs began in Joseph’s days. They were jealous of Joseph and disregarded his dreams selling him as a slave, but God was with him. After the mighty rescue of Jacob and his household by the hand of Joseph, they were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years.

God then raised Moses to liberate his people from slavery, but the Israelites also rebelled against him on several occasions. Stephen points out that Moses tried to intervene in a dispute between an Egyptian and an Israelite killing the Egyptian, but they “thrust him aside” not understanding that God was giving them salvation by his hand. Moses fled and God called him again from a bush and sent him back to Egypt. Still, the people rejected his leadership and committed idolatry turning back to Egypt in their own hearts after experiencing signs and wonders by his hand. It was Moses who prophesied that God would raise a Prophet from among them, referring to Jesus Christ.

Stephen continues his historical tracing of Israel’s steps pointing out that Joshua brought the people into the promised land carrying the ark of the presence as God drove the nations before them until the days of David and Solomon who built a temple for God, despite the fact that he does not dwell in buildings. But after that, prophet after prophet, had been killed for announcing the coming of the Righteous One, whom they betrayed and murdered - referring to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They had been given the law and they did not keep it!

Again, I admire Stephen for knowing his history well. He also knows his theology well. He understands the fulfillment of God’s purposes throughout time and is able to point that out to his people. His message is Christ-centered, though an indictment against his people. He does not miss out on the fact that Christ is the One they were expecting since Abraham’s days.

How many times have I rebelled against my God if I were to review my own personal history? How many times have I acted as a stiff-necked, uncircumcised in heart and ears person resisting the Holy Spirit? When I read the story of Israel it is as if I am reading the story of my own rebellion against God.

Father, circumcise my heart and ears so that I may stop resisting your Holy Spirit. May I obey you in all your ways. May Christ be the center of my whole life today and forevermore. Amen.

Joshua 5:1-9 The New Generation Circumcised

Circumcision is the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Circumcision marked those who were born into the nation of Israel as partakers of the promises given to Abraham - the promises of a people, land, and blessings. Those who were circumcised the first time did not believe God's promises and because of their unbelief, God made them wander 4o years in the desert and did not allow them to enter the land and enjoy rest in it. God called for a second circumcision to cover those who were born along the way - the new generation. God promises to give them entrance into the land - his rest.

Today, Baptism is the initiatory rite into the kingdom of God for all those who are born again. Circumcision was never meant to be of the flesh only. In other words, circumcision alone does not grant entry into the kingdom of God. Circumcision of the heart is vital. Baptism is the public proclamation of my faith - my trust in Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Savior. It is my identification with Christ in his death. It is my act of obedience to my Master. It is my total dedication to the kingdom of God. Baptism is a vital part of my life as a believer.

God is seeking for a new generation that is willing to believe in his promises. God will not allow the enjoyment of his promises to grumblers and complainers who don't trust him. He is seeking people who are circumcised, not in the flesh, but in their hearts. People who have been truly born again and trust his promises as Yes and Amen without grumbling and complaining. I want to be part of that new generation - a man circumcised in my heart who trusts God with all my strength.

The conquest of the promised land, the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth, is the privilege of those who are born again and proclaim publicly their allegiance to the one and only true God. Those who shy away from the initiatory rite of Baptism do not have a right to participate in the conquest of the promised land. It is the privilege of those who have pledged their lives to the living God without reservation.

Lord, may my commitment to you be total and not half-hearted. I want to establish your kingdom upon earth with all the resources you have given me. Make me part of that new generation that is circumcised, not in the flesh, but in the heart.