The Ultimate Sacrifice
Acts Chapter 7Scripture= Acts chapter 7:55-60
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Observations and Applications=
Have you ever read any stories about Christian martyrs? Those people who are wiling to lay down their lives for their God. I am always in awe of the men and women and even the children who throughout the ages have courageously gone to their death often singing praises or praying and rejoicing in the name of their Savior. Foxes Book of Martyrs has always fascinated me and even today we can read of such heroes of the faith in the periodical ‘The Voice of the Martyrs.’
One question that I have asked God and I am sure you have wondered about too is; how these martyrs can withstand the pain and still sing praises and die proclaiming the name of Jesus? In Hebrews 13:5-6 we find the answer,
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. “So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
This passage is quoted from Deuteronomy 31:6 and Psalms 118:6-7
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.” (Psalms 118:6-7)
In these verses of scripture we have our answer and we can see it happening in verse 55 of Acts chapter 7. Stephen is caught up in the glory of God. I do believe that God honors his word. If he says that he will not forsake us then I believe that these martyrs are caught up in the glory of God. So much so, that they are able to sing and exalt their Savior and like Stephen even ask God to give their executors forgiveness.
If God is with us even in times of torture and death how can we doubt that he is with us every day? How can I doubt his presence and complain about the simple little episodes of life that come against me. The author of Hebrews in writing about Christ’s suffering tells us that when life comes against us we need to have a proper perspective. He writes,
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (Hebrews 12:3-4)
Today, let’s rejoice in the trials we face and acknowledge that God is always with us. Let’s ask him to forgive us for whining over trivial issues and then stop and pray for our brothers and sisters who are really suffering around the world. Pray for their safety and thank Jesus that he is with them. Pray also for their courage and their deliverance.
Prayer= Lord Jesus, thank you for never forsaking me. I know that you are always there; an ever present help in time of trouble. Forgive me for doubting your love and concern for me. Forgive me for whining about nothing. I pray today for all my sisters and brothers who really are suffering for their faith. May they sense your presence with them and remain strong in the face of persecution.
