Happy Monday!

Happy Monday Ladybugs! Let's get started on our devotional for today!

Acts 7:54-8:1

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 to his knees and cried out, " Lord, do not hold this sin against them."When he said this he fell asleep. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all excetp the apostles were scattered throuhout Judea and Samaria.


The first mention of Saul in the Bible is in Acts 7:58. Saul's zeal quickly took him on to active persecution of the followers of Jesus. Yes, Saul was there and he was approving of Stephen's stoning. The original greek word for approval is "suneudokeo." It means "to take pleasure with others." It is a word that is sometimes used by both parties in a marriage who are mutually pleased with something. Now, when we apply the original meaning to Saul's actions, the scene becomes a little clearer. He was pleased with their actions and they were pleased with his approval. It was a mutual admiration society. Saul was virtually cheering throughout the entire exhibit. He didn't just give his approval when Stehphen breathed his last. He cheered at every blow, like points on a scoreboard.
As Jesus watched, He didn't miss a single nod of Saul's phylacteried head. Remember, Christ was up on His feet at the time. (vs.56) Can you imagine the emotions He must have experienced as he looked on the two key players in the kingdom that day? On for Him and one against Him. One covered in blood; the other covered by prayer shawls. One who could not save himself from men;the other who could not save himself from sin. One dead body but alive in spirit;the other alive in body but dead in spirit. One loved by God; and the other loved by God. Grace, grace, God's grace.
Just a day in the life of a man named Stephen. A shooting star. He had one brief performance. One chance on stage. But it was absolutely unforgettable. As the curtain fell on his life, he received a standing ovation from the only One who really mattered. I have a feeling that seconds later the two of them hadn't changed positions much. Christ was still on His feet. Stephen was still crumpled to his knees. How sweet to imagine the first heavenly words he heard that day:"Welcome Stephanos, My joy, My crown."

Let's pray:
Heavenly Father, we love you Lord and we praise you Lord. We are so unworthy Father. Help us Lord to not fear death for your sake but to long for it. Help us Jesus to live to spread your Gospel and not live for ourselves. Help us Lord to live Radical lives for you. In Your Precious Name I pray...
Amen


In Him I Remain,
Shana