Stephen recounts the history of Israel with stunning unspeakable beauty. He knew the story of God through and through. He loved the Word made flesh.
Acts 7:51 - "Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears...you've kept up the family tradition---traitors and murderers, all of you." Flaps move --- they let you hear what you want to hear. Stephen didn't mince his words. The mob rioted and Stephen hardly noticed. Talk about not being torn up by other's words. People's words are way-too-important to me. God encourages us through the tongues of others but do I hardly notice the negative?
The rocks rained down on Stephen as he prayed: "Master Jesus, take my life and don't blame them for this sin"—his last words. His eyes were fixed on the Eternal One not what is temporary. Stephen gazed into Heaven - Acts 7:55. He died... and Saul was right there, congratulating the killers. Our first glance at Paul, a murderer. Saul went wild persecuting the church. And there was much joy in the midst of this temporary devastation. Oh, to fix my eyes on what, Who is Unseen.
JHpaintergirl said...
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Acts 7:8"Then he made a covenant with him and signed it in Abraham's flesh by circumcision. When Abraham had his son Isaac, within eight days he reproduced the sign of circumcision in him. Isaac became father of Jacob, and Jacob father of twelve 'fathers,' each faithfully passing on the covenant sign.
Just a thought.....Being a female, I never really thought too much about the idea of circumcision. In this passage it appears to be sort of a "God Tattoo". It makes more sense to me now, an irrerevesible sign of obedience and devotion to God for not only the fathers but as a sign of sacrifice for their sons as well
oooppps...computer problem over here and this didn't show up until tonight...
ReplyDeletei will be in Israel for the next 10 days and will post from there if possible. if that doesn't work, annette, would you go into my blog and pull up the post each day? thanks!!! will call you from the airport....i leave Dallas at 1:05pm Tuesday.
Done! We'll still be here reading imagining you walking in the same places where Jesus walked. Much, much blessing, my sweet friend. I can't imagine what a drink of Living Water this is for your soul! Happy, happy Birthday, and most blessed Year! I sent you something in the mail today.
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