Thursday, November 29, 2012

3-D part 2

So we made it to the second part of this scripture in Acts.  Acts 7:54-8:1 is powerful.  That is the only adjective that I know to use.  We have Stephen who has just stood before the Sanhedrin and given them scripture and history.  He is living his life in 3-D with information, transformation and proclamation.  The crowd and court that has heard him speak the truth is furious and gnashed their teeth at him.  I can't imagine this happening but what an experience it must have been.  They proceed to take Stephen out of the city.  Scripture says that even as they are yelling and gnashing their teeth that Stephen is still speaking.  The circumstances around him have not stopped him.  He is still speaking and proclaiming.  He says, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." POWERFUL!!!!!  Even as he is saying this they are dragging him out of the city. 

For us, what would we do?  Would we continue to speak? Would we continue to proclaim Christ? Maybe we would quietly leave the room? Maybe we would even apologize for making someone angry?  It really makes me stop and think about what my response would have been.  What about yours?  Stephen never stopped. 

During the process of dragging Stephen out of the city he sees Christ "standing" at the right hand of God.  This is so rich.  Christ came as our High Priest. He came as the perfect sacrifice. He came to complete the work.  If we go back to the Old Testament we find that the priest were not allowed to be seated. The work was never complete. There was always sacrifices to be made.  When Christ came, He fulfilled those requirements.  He was The Sacrifice.  He SAT DOWN because the work was done.  Stephen is being stoned for his proclamation- his preaching of Christ.  Try and get that picture in your head.  Stephen is being stoned. He looks up and sees Christ standing to receive him. WOW!

Going on in the scripture it talks about they were stoning him that Stephen prayed for those stoning him.  This can be very difficult.  This can even hit a nerve or two.  Praying for those who hurt us.  Really?  ABSOLUTELY!!!!!  I have been there. I have done it. It is not easy but it can be done in His strength and power.  It not only has the power to change the person, but you and the circumstances as well.  Do you pray for your enemies or those who have hurt you?  What a challenge.  Let Him help you do it!!!!!

There is one more part that we will talk about tomorrow.  Don't worry, I didn't miss the by-stander in the scripture.  

No comments:

Post a Comment