Be Like Stephen?

Acts 7:51—8:1a

Stephen said to the people, the elders, and the scribes: "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it." When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and Stephen said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them"; and when he said this, he fell asleep. Now Saul was consenting to his execution.

This reading really makes me pause for a couple of reasons. First, I am inspired

because God never gives up on us. God sent prophet after prophet and then his son because he loves us and wants us to come in communion with him. That just blows my mind. I know that if I sent one of my children and they were treated like Stephen I would want to burn the world down. It also inspires me to love like God and forgive at all costs. I am also inspired by Stephen here. I can remember times out on stage as a musician or just out on the street unable to evangelize like Stephen. I've seen other performers do it, and I am always... well I just think it's absolutely beautiful. I wish I didn't care about myself and only for my love for God. It's taken me years to write openly about my faith. Maybe one day with the Holy Spirit's I can proclaim the gospel without fear. I often wonder what kind of Christian that makes me. Finally I am inspired here because God takes care of his own. I really shouldn't worry, I should just love, love like Stephen.

Jesus,

Wow, I love you. I love how your love can transform lives. You got mine. I'm all in. I'm sorry that I'm such a scardie cat. Please help me, help me have courage. I don't want to die like Stephen, but I do want to live for you. Help me to be the man that you know that I can be. Please send down your Holy Spirit and give me the gifts I need to proclaim your Gospel like Stephen did. If you want my life, so be it. You have my heart and my talents. That's all I got for now Jesus. Thanks.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen