Lesson 0514 Reflections

The First Lesson
                                                      Acts 7:55-60

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

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This reading gives us the conclusion of the deacon Stephen's witness to the mighty acts of God.  In what we have not read, in what precedes this text, Stephen told the history of Israel.  He did so in order to set the stage for a testimony to Jesus that would show him to be the fulfillment of the prophets.  As we see here, the deacon's message was rejected.  Stephen was condemned to death, and became the first of the martyrs.  His courage has given boldness to countless others to stand firm in faith in the face of rejection, condemnation, and even death.  As Americans, we don't face death.  But we are certainly at risk of rejection and ridicule.  Are we willing to accept this for the sake of Christ and his Gospel?  May Stephen's witness as deacon and martyr make us bold and courageous in our own day and generation.  Moreover, may the enduring promises and presence of Jesus be the source of our endurance, courage and boldness.

                   Father Tim+