My Walk With Him: Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen....All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen....All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen....All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:8-9,15

Day 324 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on the martyrdom of Stephen, the first follower of Jesus to die in defense of his faith. My commentary* notes: "[t]his Stephen had been one of the seven men chosen to resolve the problems which arose with regard to distribution of assistance to the Greek widows. He is a man known for his faith and his ability to do great wonders through the Holy Spirit. But it is his boldness and wisdom that finally prompt his adversaries to bring him before the Sanhedrin on a charge of blasphemy. Stephen’s defense is a classic review of the history of God’s dealing with the Jewish people, and a reminder to the Sanhedrin that leaders such as themselves have always rejected and persecuted God’s prophets and teachers. When he accuses them of murdering the Son of God, they angrily condemn him to death by stoning. Stephen’s dying words echo down through time as the prayer of other martyrs and all believers as well."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

This morning, on the heels of my post yesterday where the Apostles prayed for boldness...we see God giving Stephen incredible boldness! I am reminded of how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to bring glory to Him. Check out this awesome post on DesiringGod.com, and I once again refer people to Tony Merida's book Ordinary that emphasizes how Christians can do ordinary things with God-sized intentions to allow God to accomplish extraordinary, supernatural results. The post from DesiringGod.com highlights 1 Corinthians:

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who has done incredible things in and through my life - I am grateful for how You have given me boldness at times and I have seen the extraordinary results. Thank You Jesus! I am blessed beyond what I deserve. I don't ask for boldness enough and I don't submit to You enough. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.