God’s Strengthening Word: Being Renewed by the Holy SpiritНамуна

Introduction

Acts 7:35–53: Stephen describes the Israelites’ disobedience and their rejection of God. He concludes his speech with accusations against his persecutors for opposing God’s Holy Spirit.

Today’s Key Verse Acts 7:37

[Stephen said:] “Moses is the one who said to the people of Israel, ‘God will send you a prophet just as he sent me, and he will be one of your own people.’”

Reflect

Stephen recalls Israel’s disobedience and the people’s refusal to obey Moses. Christians understand Jesus as the prophet promised by Moses (see Deuteronomy 18:15) who is rejected by his own people (Luke 4:28–30). Just as Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, Jesus is regarded as the “new Moses” who liberates people from bondage to sin and death. What are your thoughts about these parallels between Moses and Jesus?

Pray

Holy Jesus, by freeing me from bondage to sin and death, you have given me the gift of eternal life. I thank and praise you for loving me so. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Acts 7:54—8:3: Stephen is put to death.