The Stephen of This Age!
The story of the martyrdom of Stephen is not only to reveal to us what he did but also to stir up our faith. Despite the threat of the religious leaders, Stephen continued with the proclamation of the gospel, and therefore his persecutors were relentless because he preached to them that of which they are guilty. Are you always offended when your pastor preaches about your area of weaknesses?
However, God stood with him when he faces the trials such that his face was glowing like an angel (Acts 16:15). This is how God will stand for everyone who will stand for him, though faced with death. Stephen was not intimidated into confessing His belief in Christ Jesus because he was filled with the truth of the Holy Ghost.
However, today many are scared to confess Christ because of the fear that people will reject them as friends or relatives not to talk of death. It is a shame that some Christian has lost faith in God due to fear of what people will say when preaching the gospel. They fear the people that can kill the body, but not the spirit. Instead, they ignore God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28.
Food for thought: Ask yourself, what is Stephen seeing that I have not seen? What is making Stephen tell the truth at the expense of his life? Therefore, ask for the boldness to confess Christ everywhere you find yourself in Jesus’ name. The Lord will answer your prayer with confidence and trust. “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.” 1 Chronicles 16:25
Prayer:
1. Dear Lord, thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness.
2. You are my strength and my shield, O Lord give me the boldness to preach the gospel to others.
3. Holy Spirit, my helper, raise your standard against satanic attacks in my life when preaching the gospel to others in Jesus’ name.