In the Face of Death – Acts 7:54-56
Welcome to Scriptures for Life with TorahFamily.org. Taking time to focus on the Father’s way.
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
While this verse is really cool. It’s the verses that follow which need to be considered.
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
If Stephen declares the Law to be living words, we have to ask ourselves how we view the law. Do we see it as “living words”? If not, why not? Stephen, a leader in the first-century church, declares it as such. If a leader in the first century says this, shouldn’t the leadership in the twentyfirst century be saying the same thing?
Many believe that Stephen literally fell asleep here while others believe it is simply referring to him dying. Either way, I think the greater point to consider is Stephens attitude in it all. If someone was killing you for your faith, could you say what Stephen did?
Let this be a focus in your time of meditation throughout the day. Until next time, Shalom.
