IN HIS STEPS

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.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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