Day 34

Acts 7-9

Just before Steven was stoned to death, he was given an opportunity to speak. He spoke of the history of apostate Israel. Particularly, he spoke out against the religious leaders in that time. They were compared to the leaders of Israel that persecuted and killed the prophets; the prophets who were only speaking the messages they received from God. Steven said this about those religious leaders, "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." (Acts 7:51-52)

Steven spoke boldly the truth and was killed for doing right. He told them the truth about their false religious facade. These leaders taught the Law but did not keep it themselves. The rsults for speaking the truth was tragic for Steven. There are two things I want to learn from this passage. We all need to speak the truth more. I need to look for opportunities and seize the moment when they are given. So many people do nothing when people put up their false religious facades. I need to speak the truth in love, but I am sure I have passed on opportunities in the past. We all need to speak up when we know someone is living a double life.

Steven was killed for his stance. I think it is safe to say it's not the results he was looking for. Know this. When we stand for the truth, especially when speaking up against people living double lives, we will be persecuted. I don't know anyone, including myself, who like getting called on their faults. So, we need to speak up as we see the opportunity, and we need to realize that the results may be less than desirable to us. The world needs to see Christ followers who stand for what they say the believe.