SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:17-29
“Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.” (Acts 7:25)
Stephen sets the stage to show how Jesus was also rejected by “his own people”.
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (John 1:1)
The sad thing is that often 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 gracious, most forgiving, most patient – like God – are often not.
Stephen is describing the history that leads to Jesus, His crucifixion and resurrection.
Looking at the history that follows Jesus, you could say that the church has continued to crucify Jesus.
Thankfully not all – it is through humble, Christ-like witness that Jesus’ message has spread.
Today we have a choice, whether to be like Stephen, or like his religious opponents.
Will I make it easy for Jesus’ message to spread, or will I as one of “His own” get in the way?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, people are watching me, to see how I act as a Christian. May they sense Your love and grace and truth through me, so that I will not be a barrier to Your message.