Living ActsSample

Reflection

Stephen is dragged before the authorities, accused and alone. He could defend himself. He could soften his words. Instead, he tells a story. The story of a God who refuses to be contained. A God who keeps moving, even when his people resist.

Stephen traces the journey from Abraham to Moses to the prophets, showing a pattern. Again and again, God sends messengers. Again and again, they are misunderstood, opposed, and rejected. His words expose something uncomfortable. The problem is not that God has changed, but that people resist what God is doing.

No one comes to his defence. Faithfulness here is lonely. And then the anger explodes. Stephen is dragged outside the city and stoned.

But this is not a story of defeat.

As the stones fall, Stephen sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He is not abandoned. He prays forgiveness for those killing him, echoing the words of Jesus himself.

Acts 7 reminds us that standing for truth can be costly. Following Jesus does not always lead to safety or applause. But God meets his people with peace that runs deeper than pain and hope that reaches beyond death.

Stephen’s faithfulness plants seeds he will never see grow. One of those watching is Saul. God is at work, even in the darkest moments.

Challenge

Today, is there a way you can purposefully do something uncomfortable that communicates the gospel? Whatever you choose to do, trust God with the outcome.

Prayer

Jesus, give me courage to stand for truth and grace to love, even when it costs me.

Amen.