THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 7:17-29
“Who made you ruler and judge over us?” (Acts 7:27)
Stephen wants to show how Jesus, like Moses was rejected by “his own people” (7:23)
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (John 1:1)
Often in the bible it is God’s own people that give Him the most stress.
This is still true – people who believe in God are sometimes the most stubborn.
Jesus was very patient with the weak or sinful.
His harshest words were reserved for the most religious.
The people you expect to be most open to God are often not.
Jesus, like Moses, was mistreated, but Jesus did not flee.
He went to the center of God’s people, where they crucified Him.
As Jesus followers, we believe God has made Jesus our ruler and judge.
Am I submitting to Jesus as my ruler and judge, or am I being difficult.
Am I a follower in name only, but content to do things my own way?
How would I respond to Jesus if He appeared today?
Would I willingly submit to His radical words, or would I hold back?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, history shows that it is often Your own people that are the most resistant. Open my eyes to where I am being resistant, and not submitting to Your will.
How quickly we forget.
The new king went his own way not remembering, forgetting, ignoring what God through Joseph had done. God had saved the Egyptians. Yet the Lord continues to work His wonders to fulfill His promises and raises a new ‘redeemer’ for His people but his people did not accept him. The trouble comes from within. The people rejected Moses. God uses the rejection to prepare Moses for service.
And how do I see God’s hand in my life preparing and enabling me for works of service?
Open my eyes Lord that I may see Your leading and guiding me to live for You in all I do.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy