BLASPHEMY! KILL HIM!
They growled as they charged at the young man who stood defenceless before them. His words were like gall in their belly, stirring bitterness and rage within them.
But who is this guy who speaks and darkness is provoked?
A food server. But full of faith, power, works miracles and does great signs and wonders; one we would have titled an Apostle or God’s general if he were to be in our present-day church, like how they wanted to make Jesus a king seeing all the great signs and wonders that he did.
They couldn’t resist his intelligence and the wisdom of His words. It left them dazed. To crown it, his words were Spirit-endorsed. He had the backing of the Holy Spirit.
As they were fuming, spitting false accusations against him before the Jewish council, Stephen wasn’t even aware his facial countenance had morphed, glowing like that of an angel.
After they were done heaping lies upon lies on his head, “Is it true that you said all these things?” one of the councilmen asked in a disgruntled voice.
Instead of defending himself, Stephen started a sermon, beginning from Abraham, to Moses, and to Jesus.
A sermon that blew up everything.
He spoke of the very things they dreaded to hear, not intimidated by the angry mob or caring about the repercussions of his response.
Do you remember what Jesus said when you’re brought before the council?
“Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11 NIV)
So, it wasn’t Stephen making up the words he spoke; it was God speaking to the stony hearts of the people who claimed to be of Him, honour his servant Moses, yet despise Him and resist the Holy Spirit.
Their hate went over the roof. Their ears were full.
They charged at him, pelting him with stones till his spirit left his body.
Again, the gospel is offensive!
Stephen’s Story Today
What’s more marveling this story is his response even at the point of death.
He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Did he just plead for the forgiveness of his persecutors?
How much of Christ has been worked into that man!
He didn’t fight back, didn’t curse, didn’t return the stones on them, didn’t even ask that God would judge them.
He prayed for them!
Stephen’s martyrdom is not one to make you gasp and get angry at his persecutors. It’s to make you realise that it could also be any Christian today. It could be you.
It’s somehow uncomfortable pelting this truth at your face, but sometimes the truth is confrontational, and we have to accept it whole, not just some part of it.
If we brag about being Abba’s beloved, Jesus baby, unapologetic Christian, Imago dei, and other sweet-sounding names we brand ourselves with, we must also realise and embrace the uncomfortable side of holding this truth.
And like Stephen, you and I should put on the nature of Christ, and be full of Him.
That’s what will make us resistant to the threats of men.
That’s what will make us bold about the truth no matter the kind of audience.
That’s what will make us leave vengeance to God and walk in forgiveness.
That’s what will make us ready to be stoned for the gospel’s sake.
