#4243 – Stephen’s Life

Good morning people who are committed until the end

Was God sovereign in Stephen’s life?

Let me tell you a little about Stephen’s life; a life that ended prematurely in death.

Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5). Stephen moved in the power of God and did great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8). Stephen was incredibly wise and spoke by the Spirit of God (Acts 6:10).

But some of the religious leaders didn’t like what he was saying. They stirred up the people, the elders and the teachers of the law and seized Stephen.

Surely God, Who is sovereign, would intervene on Stephen’s behalf and rescue him? Surely his ministry was just taking off and there was so much more he could do with his life? God’s sovereignty could not end any other way but deliverance…right?

Acts 7:54-60 NIV When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep (died).

What a tragic story…or was it? I believe Stephen’s reward in heaven was incredible and I know Jesus was standing there with open arms.

Let me leave you with two things Stephen did while being stoned to death: He looked up to heaven and he prayed for God’s mercy on those who were killing him. It sounds just like what Jesus did.