Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Acts 7 and Psalm 75

Jesus warned His disciples in John 16:2-3, “The time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. ³ They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.” Stephen was the first disciple for whom this came to pass, and Acts 7 will forever stand as the record of the death of the first Christian martyr.

However, as tragic as Stephen’s martyrdom was, it also shines with the magnificent light of Jesus’ presence!

As Stephen was hauled before the Sanhedrin, Jesus was present with him to fulfil the promise He made in Luke 12:11-12, ‘When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.’ That’s why Stephen knew exactly what to say and he said it with great courage. Jesus stood with him, by His Spirit.

As Stephen confronted the Sanhedrin with the truth that their hard-heartedness and resistance to the Holy Spirit had led them to murder the Messiah, he was granted a glorious vision of the truth. As v.55 says: “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.” He saw the reality that the veil between earth and heaven had been torn, and Jesus was right there with him, and completely ready to receive him. They might kill his body, but nothing could separate him from Jesus!

As Stephen was being stoned to death, his confidence in Jesus never once waned. Still perceiving the openness of heaven and the nearness of his Lord, he prayed to Jesus just as Jesus had prayed to the Father, “Receive my spirit” (v.59; Luke 23:46). Furthermore, he prayed as Jesus had prayed – for the forgiveness of the very people who were murdering him.

So, even the darkness of Stephen’s murder, could not shut out the magnificent light of Christ. He was present in the midst of Stephen’s suffering, to comfort, strengthen and encourage him. And He redeemed that suffering by His tender, loving presence, receiving Stephen home to Himself in such a gentle way that Luke doesn’t record that Stephen “died” but that he gently “fell asleep”. They could murder his body … but his spirit was safe in the hands of Jesus. And that is forever how it is for the disciples of Christ!

Life Application: No matter what you may be facing today, remember that the Lord Jesus stands with you by His Holy Spirit, to encourage, strengthen and comfort you. He stands ready to guide your thoughts, words and deeds. Keep your heart and mind open to His presence and guidance at all times and, even in the darkest moments, His magnificent light will shine.