June 11th - Blog Post

June 11

1 Kings 8:1-66

Acts 7:51-8:13

Psalm 129:1-8

Proverbs 17:1

Faith & Forgiveness

Acts 7 covers Stephen's sermon, which happens to be the longest sermon in the Book of Acts. Stephen had been accused of blasphemy in regards to Moses and also the temple, due to his apparent inaccuracies in his historical references, even though he was quite effective in referencing events from Israel's history and Old Testament scripture. Stephen rebukes his accusers by indicating that they are the actual blasphemers, "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit...You received the law under the direction of angels and yet have not kept it." -- Acts 7:51-53

How many people do you know that are resisting the Holy Spirit? How many people do you know that have heard the Truth, yet do not turn away from their sin nor keep the Lord's commands? How many people do you know who live to point their finger at someone in judgment? Or perhaps, are you being that person?

We live in a world where gaining access to the Bible is as easy as turning on a light switch, yet we still have so many who avoid the Truth, or who hear the Word but do not believe. And to add to it, they not only do not believe, but they become consumed by anger and hatred towards the person(s) who do believe. To me that anger is caused by guilt, knowing somewhere in your heart that you are wrong, but without letting go of your grip on sin (your sense of power in the world) you won't be able to take accountability for such things. When someone calls you out for something you may have done wrong, is your response to listen, understand, and apologize? Or, do you respond in defense with anger and retaliation? The Sanhedrin prove this point, instead of following their civil laws to determine Stephen's guilt (or innocence), they respond in anger, gnashing their teeth, and stoning him to death.

We know as believers that we will be persecuted, attacked, demeaned, and so forth, but this is where our faith and trust in the Lord brings us victory. Though Stephen was stoned to death, it was his actions in his final moments that truly show his faith. While being stoned Stephen full of faith called out to the Lord, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! " He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them! " -- Acts 7:59-60

Stephen, as Jesus did in His final moments, calls out to the Lord to receive his spirit, and also asks for forgiveness of his persecutors which is a true testament of yielding to God. In the face of death, Stephen kept his eyes on the Lord and placed all of his trust in Him. There is a lot to gain by studying this moment, when we face trials and mistreatment we must not react with malice, but with a loving and forgiving heart. Even in the face of evil, we must turn our hearts to what we know is true. We must not be consumed with picking apart others' lives or persecuting each other's wrongdoing, instead, we must set an example through our own actions and through our faith, always keeping our eyes and hearts on the Lord. We must lead by example, pointing to the One who leads us as a perfect example. We cannot allow persecution to pull us down to worldly responding, instead, we must remember what Jesus has commanded, to love and forgive.

"You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:43-45

"For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses." -- Matthew 6:14-15