Stephen was "mighty in his words and deeds," (Acts 7:22) just like Moses. The rhetoric of Stephen and Moses are so "telling" of their heartfelt pursuits. "Many waters cannot quench their love"~Song of Sol 8:7. Not the Jordan. Not the Red Sea. Not this Gallery of Persecution. What quenches my love for my God? Circumstances where I end up on the short stick. Conversations where I am left out, shut out, misunderstood. Character, that is lack of it, in my own life---as I try to be good, I see more off the depths of what's wrong inside of me.
Deuteronomy 32:47 ~ These words are not just idle words, they are their very life~this was the song of Moses even though he knew he would not cross over the Jordan into Canaan. They were crossing the Jordan to take possession of the land without him. And here's Stephen explaining all of this from his heart. How long has Stephen been studying about Moses? He knows the story by heart, every step of the wilderness.
This evil Gallery of men hear the truth that if they shut their eyes to the Light of the World, they will never know the God who longs to care for them. A fate far worse than the slavery of Egypt awaits this Gallery of vicious, "sawn-in-two" furious men. The Gallery may have sealed their fate but until their last breath, there is hope, no matter what has been done. Stephen offers fearless courage and glad hope as he breathes his last air of the holy city of Jerusalem. Psalm 25:14 ~ The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him---Stephen feared God not a Gallery of men. What's your secret?
"I will give myself in Costly Love, and I will love even if the other person never does." Lloyd Olgivie. Maybe it's your husband who loves you little, maybe your own child whom you gave birth is pulling away, maybe it's your lifelong friend forever distancing themselves from you. Let's pray for each other this day, this season, that we may give ourselves in Costly Love and stand on the shoulders of a man named Stephen.
Stephen's story is their own story. Israelites, God's chosen ones, selected to receive salvation. What would evoke such anger? So much as to be stoned for the testimony. His words are true. . .True words that tie their story to Jesus.
ReplyDeleteHow does our history tie us to our Savior?
Our story is the Savior's love for us that lifts us to new heights of love like we've never known; that set us apart with seals upon our hearts. Love stronger than death, the very flame of the Lord Himself...Floods cannot drown that kind of love, waters cannot quench. We are found safe in His Arms.