Acts 6:8-15
Reflect
Luke devotes a significant amount of narrative to Stephen. It’s important to note that “a man full of God’s grace and power” and who performed miraculous signs was derided by others in his community. He is clearly revered by Luke and the early disciples, but he experiences similar persecution to that of which Jesus faced. Matthew 5:10-12 counts Stephen as blessed because of his experience.
Heidi Baker of Iris Ministries shares a story about a group of pastors she has discipled in Mozambique. These men serve the poor and needy, share the gospel, plant churches, and heal the sick. One day, they were mistaken for a group of Islamic militants that the police were searching for. Although they shouted that they were pastors and not terrorists, they were beaten near the point of death before one of the officers recognized a pastor and realized their mistake. These men were full of God’s grace and power, and they paid a cost to follow Jesus. In this story, the police later apologized and invited the pastors to minister in a local prison. Praise God! But this kind of resolution is not always present.
Apply
Today, let’s remember the men and women who pay a significant cost to follow Jesus. Are there ways that the Holy Spirit is inviting us to enter into His suffering and in the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.