[:en]SACRIFICIAL FAITH
Stephen was one of the first appointed leaders in the early church. He was a man ful of God’s grace and power, and did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom. So they stirred up people and seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin. (Acts 6:8-10). He gave an impassioned defense of the faith before his accusers. Instead of repenting, they were “furious and gnashed their teeth at him” (Acts 7:54) They all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and stone him to death.
The stories of Stephen and modern martyrs remind us that the message of Christ can be met with rejection and brutality. Let us pray for the persecuted churches around the world to remain faithful till the end. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mat. 5:10)
May we find grace to walk in the Master’s steps. – Amy Boucher Pye[:]