WE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17নমুনা

True Faith Leads to Obedience

This passage in the book of Acts is more than a rich account of the history of Israel. Stephen, lead by the Holy Spirit, showed the heart of God and His Sovereign plan for the salvation of man. Stephen’s account also reveals the greedy, dark, murderous heart of man.

When asked by the High Priest if the charges of blasphemy against him are true, Stephen gives a history recap rather than a self-defense. In doing this, Stephen, along with the Patriarchs, shows faith and obedience as they each trusted God even in the darkest of circumstances.

Abraham, who believed in God’s promise for an heir and a nation, even when all hope for a son was gone, walked with faith and obedience.

Joseph, who was mistreated and sold by his brothers, then wrongly accused and thrown in prison, walked with faith and obedience.

Moses rejected by his people, yet when called by God to deliver them, rose up and walked by faith and obedience.

The actions of the Patriarchs demonstrated their trust and belief in God’s promise to them as they walked through tremendous trials. Trials, in many cases, that were brought on them by their own people. In each of these scenarios, we can see, through the lens of time, God’s plan of deliverance and redemption. This plan, woven through the history of Israel, through time, leads us to the cross of Christ.

Jesus, God’s ultimate plan for deliverance and redemption, was rejected by his own people. The Promised One was despised and called a blasphemer for speaking truth. The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, was beaten, falsely accused, and thrown in prison. Yet, for our redemption, Jesus walked in obedience to the cross.

The cross stands as a divide between the heart of God and the heart of man. God’s heart is filled with love, redemption, and promises to prosper His people. To cross this divide, one must, by faith, believe in God's promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. The question for us is, which side of the cross do we stand on?

Primer contributed by Laurie Harry, Believer in Jesus Christ