Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Consecrated Life
Jorge Wilson
MTC of San Francisco
Bay Area, CA
8 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and
signs among the people. 15 And all who sat in the council looked intently
at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Our passage is taken from the Acts of the Apostles and highlights the short but impactful ministry that is the life and death of Stephen. The book of Acts was a handbook for the growing church and included many stories that laid the foundation of the early church. Stephen is first introduced to us in chapter 6 and is identified as one of the seven men chosen to serve the early church. These men were of good standing, full of Spirit and of wisdom, and tasked to serve the church in tasks such as distribution of food to the widows (v.5).
Although Stephen is often remembered as being the first martyr for Christ, we must understand who he was and the stand he made for his faith. Stephen, as part of God’s sovereign plan, was set apart and consecrated. He was chosen to be put to the test by those who instigated around him. He stood firm in his faith during this trial. However he did not achieve this by his own might, but by submitting to God’s will. This gave Stephen the power to tell the truth despite the consequences. They could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke (v.10). Each of you are consecrated and set apart for a divine purpose, yet how many of us have submitted to God’s will in our lives?
Stephen was a man of great faith. This faith caused a transformation in Stephen, causing his face to shine line the face of an angel (v.15). Even in the midst of his trials Stephen remained faithful to God. How many of us can be faithful to fully rely on God during our trials?
Many of us will read this passage and wonder why did Stephen waste his life? As we look at the state of affairs today with persecution and trials around the world, we must look inwards and ask the same question of ourselves…
Don’t waste your life. As we reflect on the life of Stephen, let us remember Paul’s message to the Philippians: For me to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
Our passage is taken from the Acts of the Apostles and highlights the short but impactful ministry that is the life and death of Stephen. The book of Acts was a handbook for the growing church and included many stories that laid the foundation of the early church. Stephen is first introduced to us in chapter 6 and is identified as one of the seven men chosen to serve the early church. These men were of good standing, full of Spirit and of wisdom, and tasked to serve the church in tasks such as distribution of food to the widows (v.5).
Although Stephen is often remembered as being the first martyr for Christ, we must understand who he was and the stand he made for his faith. Stephen, as part of God’s sovereign plan, was set apart and consecrated. He was chosen to be put to the test by those who instigated around him. He stood firm in his faith during this trial. However he did not achieve this by his own might, but by submitting to God’s will. This gave Stephen the power to tell the truth despite the consequences. They could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke (v.10). Each of you are consecrated and set apart for a divine purpose, yet how many of us have submitted to God’s will in our lives?
Stephen was a man of great faith. This faith caused a transformation in Stephen, causing his face to shine line the face of an angel (v.15). Even in the midst of his trials Stephen remained faithful to God. How many of us can be faithful to fully rely on God during our trials?
Many of us will read this passage and wonder why did Stephen waste his life? As we look at the state of affairs today with persecution and trials around the world, we must look inwards and ask the same question of ourselves…
Don’t waste your life. As we reflect on the life of Stephen, let us remember Paul’s message to the Philippians: For me to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).
PRAYER
Lord we pray for
boldness to stand up and a live a consecrated life. Amen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
Be filled with grace and power!
Be filled with grace and power!