JUNE 26, 2016

“...If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools..."
― RUDYARD KIPLING

JOB 7-9

Jobs Friend Bilidad replies rebuking Job...

20“Surely God does not reject one who is blameless

or strengthen the hands of evildoers.

21He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy.

22Your enemies will be clothed in shame,

and the tents of the wicked will be no more.”

ACTS 7:44-60

Stephen rebukes them and they become furious and begin stoning him...

51“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” 

54When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But 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.”

57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

JOURNAL 

What a life...what a testament to purpose and acceptance of whatever comes. Stephen and his response and the obedience he has are just downright astounding. I often wonder why the story of Stephen is not discussed more from the pulpit and why it is not looked to as example of following Christ more often. It is strong but also full of humility and forgiveness.

It makes me wonder in our culture of consumerism if this message becomes contrary to the lure of commercialism. If peace and comfort are found in the midst of being stoned for integrity then what does that say about the illusion of peace and comfort as a result of products and services for the purpose of profit.

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^k neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ ROMANS 8:37-39