[:en]Our Daily Scripture – 4/29/22[:]

[:en]SCRIPTURE:  ACTS 7

Bible Verses:

“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.” (Acts 7:55-56)

“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.” (Acts 7:59-60)

STEPHEN SPEECH TO THE SANHEDRIN (vs. 1-53)

Stephen delivered a speech tracing the history of Israel.  Israel always resisted the truth and rejected God’s messengers : Moses, who delivered them from Egypt;  Joseph, who became their redeemer during famine;  John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Lord, and Jesus, who was their Messiah.

THE STORY OF STEPHEN (vs. 54-60)

Stephen’s death was the third murder in Israel’s history.  They rejected the Father when they killed John the Baptist.  They rejected the Son when they crucified Jesus.  They rejected the Holy Spirit when they stoned Stephen to death.  This began the turning point in God’s dealing with Israel.  The gospel moved out to Judea and Samaria.    Stephen means :a crown”.  He was the crown of life because he was faithful unto death. (Rev. 2:10)

THOUGHTS:

Resemblance of Moses to Christ:

  1. He was persecuted and almost slain when he was a child.
  2. He left the luxury in palace to save his people.
  3. He was first rejected by the people.
  4. He became a shepherd.
  5. He took a Gentile bride.
  6. He was received by his brethren the second time.
  7. He delivered the people from bondage through the blood of the lamb.
  8. He was a prophet, a priest and a king.
  9. He performed miracles to meet their needs in the wilderness.

Resemblance of Joseph to Christ:

  1. He was beloved of his father.
  2. He was hated by his brethren.
  3. He was sold for a price of a slave.
  4. He was humbled as a servant.,
  5. He was falsely accused.
  6. He was not recognized by his brethren the first time.
  7. He revealed himself to his brethren the second time.
  8. He forgave the sins of his brother.

LESSONS:

  1.  Stephen suffered for Christ and asked forgiveness for his murderers.  May the Holy Spirit help us to respond as Stephen did with love for our enemies.
  2. Stephen’s death had a profound impact on Paul, who later became the world’s greatest missionary.  That shows that even those who oppose you may later turn to Christ.

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