Devo Acts 7:51-60

Chapter 7
51”You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like
your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your
fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of
the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who
have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But
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. 56”Look,” he said, “I see heaven open
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57At this they covered
their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged
him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their
clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning him,
Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then he fell on his knees and
cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he
fell asleep.

Meditation:
1. Don’t think Stephen’s boldness was a mistake that cost his life. In fact, just
like the crucifixion of Jesus, Stephen’s martyrdom was part of God’s plan for
saving His people. God has a habit of turning “bad” things into unexpected
good outcome.
2. Have I had any experience that was terrible, disappointing, unfair…, but
in the end, there was an unexpected good result? How does this help me
understand God’s will?
3. Am I willing to be like Stephen and, as Paul says in Philippians 1, have the
attitude that “to live is Christ and to die is gain”?

Personal Note:
God, you can turn all things for good outcomes and for your glory.  God, I can find strength in you through my weaknesses.  I have experienced your love through some terrible, disappointing events in the pass.  I trust that you will continue to lead us to your glory in the midst of trouble and darkness.  Your will is for your name to be glorified.  Am I willing to sacrifice for the glory of God?  I pray that God will help and strengthen me to love his enemies like how he was willing to ask God to forgive them of their sins.