PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 7:17-29
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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 difficult.
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?
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.
Abused – mistreated – dealt with treacherously. No justice. Pharaoh abused the people of Israel – the slave drivers abuse the Israeli workers – Moses saw the injustice and stepped in but he ended up killing the perpetrator. Fearing Pharaoh – did Moses not have any authority or respect as a prince from Pharaoh’s court – Moses fled. Now it was Stephen’s turn – but like Jesus he did not flee. There is much abuse and injustice today. Help me Lord to do my best to stand up for right – to strive to seek justice. Help me to discern when I am part of the problem by association. Help me stand up I pray!
Stephen is telling what has happened in the past – how God was at work. As the people did not accept Jesus, they did not accept what Stephen had to say. Moses was not accepted by his own. All too often the enemy is from within. They listen to their own desires and not the Lord’s. They listen to their own voice and not His. At all times I need to hear His voice to lead me and guide me in the way to walk.
I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.