LookingtoJesus

July 12

Bible Reading: Acts 7:54-60

Acts 7:60, “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.”

The testimony of a neighbor of one of our hospice patients, who had been with the patient the day before she died, encouraged me.  Though not a praying person, our patient had taken time to pray that day and even prayed for my wife in her battle with cancer. We rightfully hold in high regard someone’s dying words, for they typically reveal something of their innermost thoughts and concerns.  There’s much similarity between the dying words of Jesus and Stephen, especially as it pertains to asking forgiveness of those who had done them harm.

That Jesus prayed for our forgiveness, though it was our sins that put Him there on the cross, is an amazing thing.  That Stephen prayed for the forgiveness to who were stoning him to death, is likewise astonishing.  Imagine his pain!  They threw stones at him.  He threw prayers to God.

God only knows the full breadth of the impact of Stephen’s words on those who heard, but one case stands out.  Saul (later “Paul”) will headline much of the remaining chapters of the book of Acts.  It is here we find him first mentioned.  As the accusers were rushing Stephen out of the city to stone him, they “laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul” (Acts 7:58).  Saul approved of Stephen’s execution (Acts 8:1).  He would lead in the persecution of Christians, “ravaging the church” (Acts 8:3).  His radical conversion, from persecutor to apostle, lay several years in the future.  There can be little doubt, however, regarding the indelible impact of Stephen’s dying words on Saul’s heart.  In fact, it was with these words that Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me” (Acts 9:4)?

Words are powerful.  The beauty of Stephen’s dying words stood in sharp contrast to the anger and violence of that scene! Forgiveness is a powerful tool in the believer’s apologetic arsenal.  When we forgive, as Jesus has forgiven us, we speak in the language of the cross, from which all true forgiveness flows.  You don’t have to wait until your dying day to speak such gracious and Christ-honoring words, as we are even now to be “forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave” (Ephesians 4:32).

When we forgive, we speak in the language of the cross.

FORGIVE OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE
‘Forgive our sins as we forgive,’
you taught us, Lord, to pray,
but you alone can grant us grace
to live the words we say.

How can your pardon reach and bless
the unforgiving heart,
that broods on wrongs and will not let
old bitterness depart?

In blazing light your cross reveals
the truth we dimly knew:
what trivial debts are owed to us,
how great our debt to you!

Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls,
and bid resentment cease;
then, bound to all in bonds of love,
our lives will spread your peace.

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.

July 10

Bible Reading: Acts 7:44-53

Acts 7:48, “Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands.”

Herod’s temple was a glorious thing.  It had taken a year and a half to build the temple proper and eight years to finish the courts.  The temple transversed an area of some 750 feet and was easily visible from any part of the city.  Jewish life revolved around the temple, the priesthood, and the sacrifices.  The temple was a beautiful edifice and of the highest importance to the Jews—the centerpiece of their Jewish identity. 

Stephen’s adversaries accused him of speaking against their glorious temple.  Stephen’s response was to set the record straight.  Abraham received the promises of God long before there was even a temple.  God used Moses before there was a temple.  The God who created the heavens and the earth is not limited to any house made by men (Acts 17:24).

The religious leaders were engaged in a kind of templeolatry (Jeremiah 7:4).  Their faith was in the temple of God vs. the God of the temple.  Jesus had said, “One greater than the temple is here” (Matthew 12:6).  One greater than the temple came to die on a cross, rise from the dead, and ascend to the right hand of God.  It is He that alone can save, and it is He alone that is worthy of worship!

I’ve been inside a lot of church buildings, some quite impressive, others not so much, but God’s presence transcends them all.  God is indeed even now building a temple, but not with earthen stones, for He dwells in the hearts of His saints: “In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).  This “holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21) derives its beauty from the One who had coupled its living stones together. 

Church buildings are nice places to meet, but none can confine God or guarantee one’s salvation.  Herod’s temple is long vanquished.  Over the centuries, countless church buildings have come and gone.  But Jesus is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:5).  In the “assembly of the firstborn” (the church) we are part of a “kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:23, 28).  Therefore, “let us offer to God (and not to mere buildings) acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).

“Something greater than the temple is here.”—Matthew 12:6

MAY JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED
When morning gilds the sky,
our hearts awaking cry:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
in all our work and prayer
we ask his loving care:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

To God, the Word on high,
the hosts of angels cry:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Let mortals too upraise
their voice in hymns of praise:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Let earth’s wide circle round
in joyful notes resound:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Let air and sea and sky
from depth to height reply:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this, when day is past,
of all our thoughts the last:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The night becomes as day
when from the heart we say:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Then let us join to sing
to Christ, our loving King:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this the eternal song
through all the ages long:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

July 9

Bible Reading: Acts 7:17-43

Acts 7:39, “Our fathers refused to obey him…”

As the Apostle Paul noted, the law is good (Romans 7:12).  Our problem, when it comes to the law, is that no one (except Jesus) has been able to keep it. 

Amongst other things, they accused Stephen of speaking against the law (Acts 6:13).  So, they seized him and brought him before the council.  The council, led by the High Priest, had its own laws by which it functioned.  It examined evidence, separately scrutinized witnesses, and required that their testimony be agreed to in every detail.  If the verdict was a verdict of death, a night needed to elapse before carried out, so that the court might have the opportunity to change its mind and its decision.  But things didn’t proceed according to their laws.

The plan was to interrogate Stephen for so-called blasphemous statements.  But Stephen turned the tables on the inquisition such that the interrogated became interrogator.  His adversaries espoused concern for the law, but the problem is that they were all lawbreakers.  They came from a long line of lawbreakers, going all the way back to the time of Moses (Acts 7:39, 53).  The High Priest was a lawbreaker.  Every member of the council was a lawbreaker.  The witnesses were lawbreakers, too.  Stephen had been a lawbreaker by practice until Jesus—the only man before or since to perfectly uphold the law—worked to save him from his sins.  

Stephen was there to bear witness of Jesus.  The council revered Moses the lawgiver, but Moses had said, “God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers” (Acts 7:37).  Jesus was that prophet-Messiah, and He had come to deliver His people from their sins.  But they had no heart for Him, and Spirit-sent Stephen was soon to indict them for that crime.  We lawbreakers have only one hope, which is the One who came to fulfill the law to save us from our sins.  Salvation is by grace through faith in Him!

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”—Romans 3:21-22

JUST AS I AM
Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

July 8

Bible Reading: Acts 7:1-16

Acts 7:1, “And the high priest said, ‘Are these things so?’ And Stephen said…”

I wonder what was on Stephen’s mind that morning when he woke up?  Did he have any inclination that he would die that day?  He couldn’t have possibly imagined the strategic role he was soon to play in the church’s expansion.  Jesus had commissioned a witness to “Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8), but thus far (in Acts) the witness hadn’t traveled outside the city.  Stephen was full of the Spirit, and the Spirit was working through Stephen to change all that.  His acts that fateful day would work to jettison the church into new regions.

We’ve got no information regarding Stephen outside of what we read in these two chapters in Acts.  Stephen was a Greek name, so it’s safe to assume that he was a Hellenistic Jew.  The name “Stephen,” means literally “wreath, crown,” and by extension “reward, renown.”  Stephen is first on the list of the seven chosen to oversee the ministry to widows (Acts 6:5).  He was full of the Holy Spirit and faith and wisdom and grace and power (Acts 6:3, 5, 8).  By the Spirit, he was “doing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8).  That’s what caught the attention of his adversaries, and then ultimately landed him before the Sanhedrin.

The Sanhedrin dragged him before them to give an account, and later they dragged him out of the city to stone him.  But it was the Spirit who led him and graced him to boldly proclaim the truth about Jesus.  As the first martyr of the church, he gained a lasting legacy befitting his name.  Like a seed planted, his death worked to bear much fruit in the growth and expansion of the church.  Stephen, wholly attentive to the Spirit’s leading, was ready and willing to be wonderfully used by God in that way.  To the extent we are Spirit-led, He works to guide and empower us to fulfill whatever role God calls us to.  It may not be to die as a martyr, but according to the power that works within us, God can do in and through us more than we think (Ephesians 3:20-21).

“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”—John 12:24

HE LEADETH ME
He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain:
He leadeth me, he leadeth me;
by his own hand he leadeth me:
his faithful follower I would be,
for by his hand he leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
sometimes where Eden’s flowers bloom,
by waters calm, o’er troubled sea,
still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me. Refrain

Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine,
nor ever murmur nor repine;
content, whatever lot I see,
since ‘tis my God that leadeth me. Refrain

And when my task on earth is done,
when, by thy grace, the victory’s won,
e’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
since God through Jordan leadeth me. Refrain

It is as we carry the emptied cups of our own inadequacies and failures to the throne of Grace, that God is well-pleased to fill them up to overflowing with His provision.  And even as He fills us so, the riches of His grace stand undiminished, as if we’d taken a cup of water from the vast waters of the ocean.

Ephesians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 3:5; Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 23:5

July 5

Bible Reading: Acts 6:8-15

Acts 6:15, “And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”

“May the Mind of Christ, My Savior,” is amongst my favorite hymns, and one line in that hymn is especially dear to me: “May His beauty rest upon me, as I seek the lost to win, and may they forget the channel, seeing only him.”  That’s an awesome prayer that speaks to the awesome work God does, in transforming us from who we were, lost and ugly in sin, to what He intends for us to be— transformed into the beauty of the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29).

It is a work of the Spirit to transform us, even as Jesus had said: “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14).  The primary ministry of the Spirit is to mediate the presence of Christ to us, in us, and through us.  It is a work of the Spirit to make us beautiful in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Stephen’s beauty in Christ, by the Spirit, was readily apparent to the brethren, for he was first on the list of those chosen to serve (Acts 6:5).  But it was before the council that his accusers “saw that his face was like that of an angel” (Acts 6:15).  The Spirit did in Stephen that which he could have never done on his own, what no beautician on earth could ever hope to replicate.    

H. A. Ironside has commented on this, “I wish I could have a photograph or picture of Stephen standing before the council, listening to all those false accusations, and noticing the expressions of rage, ridicule, and indignation on the faces of his accusers. Yet he stood there, looking at them with a radiant countenance, full of love, trust, peace, and confidence, undisturbed by all the bitter things that were being said. His heart was not filled with malice because of their hatred toward him, but joy in the realization that he was there as Christ’s faithful servant.”

Stephen, soon destined to be the first Christian martyr, shone with a Christlike beauty for all to see.  In that historical role, his situation was unique, but the Spirit is always working in all of us to make Christ’s beauty rest upon us.  Make that your prayer for your day.  And for your life.

Nothing can dim the beauty that shines from within.

MAY THE MIND OF CHRIST, MY SAVIOR
May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
by His love and pow’r controlling
all I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly
in my heart from hour to hour,
so that all may see I triumph
only through His pow’r.

May the peace of God my Father
rule my life in everything,
that I may be calm to comfort
sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
as the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing:
this is victory.

May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus
as I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me
as I seek the lost to win,
and may they forget the channel,
seeing only Him.

July 4

Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Acts 6:3, “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

The early church was characterized by its eagerness to show loving concern for the needs of others (Acts 2:44-45, 4:34-35).  Thus, the church cared for its widows by providing meals.  But “a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution” (Acts 6:1).  The twelve Apostles, wanting to give attention to the “preaching of the word,” wisely purposed to delegate the matter to others (Acts 6:2, 4).

They brought the matter to the congregation, who were tasked with choosing seven men to serve.  The job demanded oversight by well-qualified men.  Left unresolved or mismanaged, the situation might easily have given rise to division and dissension, undermining the unity of the church.

The men to be selected were to be men of “good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3), men that others could and would vouch for. They were also to be men “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.”  They chose “Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch” (Acts 6:5).  No other information is given — in the immediate context—regarding their backgrounds, resumes, accomplishments, or experience.  Their selection was not based on such things, but that they were spiritual men who evidenced that reality in their day-to-day lives.

The soon-to-be martyred Stephen was amongst those who filled that role.  He was not only “full of the Spirit and of wisdom,” (Acts 6:3) he was “full of faith” (Acts 6:5) and “full of grace and power” (Acts 6:8).  He was full of the Spirit and was “doing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8).  That later proved problematic for him, but that’s another chapter.

What lesson can we garner from this episode in church history?  An effective servant is not so because of his own abilities, but his availability to be used by the Spirit of God.  Stephen was “full of it” in the positive sense.  Being full of the Holy Spirit, he was well-qualified and equipped to serve God in various ways.  He was open to the Spirit’s leadership and empowered to do things that he could have never done otherwise.  “To be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:16) is a matter of preeminent relevance to any would-be servant of Christ.  By this means alone, can we be well-qualified for whatever ministry God calls us to.  Are you even now being led by the Spirit?  Is that reality being evidenced before others so that they would vouch for your reputation?

By the Spirit alone are any of us equipped to be well-qualified to serve.

O TO BE LIKE THEE!
Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find. [Refrain]

Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above. [Refrain]

July 3

Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Acts 6:2, “And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.”

Acts 6:4, “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Her days on earth were drawing to an end. In fact, her son had doubted she’d make it through the previous night.  She hadn’t eaten but a few bites of food in the preceding weeks.  I had come to visit, and after talking with the son for a bit, I asked if I could enter her room and pray for her.  Her eyes opened when I greeted her, and I reminded her I was the chaplain.  She reached out her hand, and I held it as I read a few Scriptures passages and talked about the saving work of Jesus.  I spoke of His readiness to draw near and bring her safely home to heaven and reminded her that nothing mattered more than trusting in Him.  I sang a hymn, “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” and I prayed for her.  I found out later that she was actively dying.  She’d hardly eaten a thing for weeks, but God had, in His Word, something better for her.  We can’t live long without food or water, but we can’t truly live (in a spiritual sense) apart from the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

It was necessary and right that the church should provide food for its widows, but Jesus commissioned the twelve to a more vital task.  When Jesus exhorted Peter three times to “feed My sheep,” (John 21:15-17), he set forth what is to be the number one priority for all subsequent shepherds.  The twelve understood their need to prioritize devotion “to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).  And we do well to establish that same priority for ourselves.

“First of all,” Paul instructed Timothy, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1).  Prayer is a “first of all” priority.  Likewise, he charged Timothy to “preach the word,” understanding the strategic role of the teaching of the Word in the spiritual health and growth of the church (2 Timothy 4:1-2).  The church has a responsibility to care for the physical needs of its members, but the supreme task of a shepherd is to keep the flock well-fed with the powerful-to-save-and transform Word of God.  There will come a day for us all when physical food will no longer matter, but “the words of eternal life” will never lose their power or appeal!

We can’t live long without food, but we can’t truly live (in a spiritual sense) apart from the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE
Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.

Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven. [Refrain]

Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify forever. [Refrain]

July 2

Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-7

Acts 6:1, “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.”

The early church exemplified compassion by providing daily food distributions to its widows. A society’s virtue is reflected in its care for the most vulnerable. God, who “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow,” deeply cares about our treatment of those who need protection and provision (Deuteronomy 10:17).

We’ve a God-given responsibility to honor the vulnerable, including the bereaved. Often, a widow receives considerable attention and help immediately following the loss of a spouse. However, what happens in the subsequent weeks and months? Unlike today, there were no social security benefits, government programs, or social agencies in ancient times to support those in need. The church, motivated by love, took on the responsibility of caring for all its members, especially those without visible means of support, like widows and orphans (James 1:27).

As a hospice chaplain and chairman of South Morrow County Seniors Matter, I frequently interact with widows and observe varying levels of care. Our society is aging, and many older adults, both men and women, may not need financial assistance but deeply desire someone who cares. They long to hear from or see their loved ones, but too often, nobody calls or visits. The church has an obligation to provide practical help, and we all have a duty to show compassion. God cares about the bereaved and lonely; so, should we.  When we treat widows and widowers with the loving care Jesus has shown us, we help meet their needs, help the church, and please the Lord Jesus!

The virtue of any society can be measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable citizens (James 1:27).

MAKE ME A BLESSING
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Refrain:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love,
Tell of his pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove
True, ev’ry moment you live. [Refrain]

Give as ‘twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true. [Refrain]