July 11
Bible Reading: Acts 7:54-60
Acts 7:58-60, “Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Has anyone ever treated you harshly or unfairly simply because you are a believer in Christ? It’s not an uncommon thing in this hostile world, and it’s good to have in mind some positive examples to encourage and guide you in your response. The Apostle Peter, who had endured such things frequently, addressed this in his first letter to persecuted believers: “For this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that others might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
Stephen was careful to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. He was innocent of any wrongdoing, yet the truth he shared enraged his accusers. How did he respond? Jesus did not retaliate when He was reviled; He did not make threats when He suffered (1 Peter 2:23). That was the path that Jesus laid out, and Stephen took care to follow Jesus’ example. Jesus continued to entrust Himself to the ultimate judge, God Himself, who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23). Stephen did the same, crying out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59).
Jesus died on a cruel cross amidst the cacophony of the mocking voices who meant Him harm. Nevertheless, He prayed for their forgiveness. Stephen endured the bull rush of enraged accusers who took up stones to stone him. Nevertheless, Stephen followed in the steps of Jesus, praying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60).
In responding to the harsh treatment of those who mean us harm, the Lord Jesus laid out a path for us to follow. Stephen was careful, in his response to unimaginable cruelty, to keep to the path that Jesus had laid out—trusting God and praying for his persecutors (Matthew 5:44). None of us are likely to bear such harsh treatment, but his example reminds us it is always best to follow in Jesus’ steps, for that path is marked by God’s approval and provision (1 Peter 4:14).
“We may not walk to the martyr’s stake, but we must walk in the Master’s steps.” – Mart DeHaan
MUST JESUS BEAR THE CROSS ALONE
Must Jesus bear the cross alone
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for ev’ry one,
And there’s a cross for me.
The consecrated cross I’ll bear
Till death shall set me free,
And then go home my crown to wear,
For there’s a crown for me.
Upon the crystal pavement, down
At Jesus’ pierced feet,
Joyful, I’ll cast my golden crown
And His dear name repeat.
O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
Ye angels, from the stars come down
And bear my soul away.
LookingtoJesus 