Psalm: 108 Meditation: ActsImagine the self control needed to face false charges in a trial when the verdict is already known. Stephen addresses each of the charges against him with facts from Scripture that showed the true history and rebellion of the Israelites. His answers and demeanor enraged the Sanhedrin and caused them to violate …
Tag: Martyr
Monday, December 27
Psalm: 119: 73-96 Meditation John: While not an apostle, Stephen was the first of an array of martyrs. John, on the other hand was an Apostle, and in this reading, Jesus intimates to Peter that John will not die as a martyr. This, just after Jesus warned, or better, prophesied that Peter would die in …
Sunday, December 26
Psalm: 119:49-72 Meditation Isaiah: We are living in the midst of the Second Advent; much of what was said before Jesus came can also be said today. Stephen, the first martyr’s (witness) death is remembered today. Suddenly, with his stoning, this whole Jesus People movement becomes serious – it may actually cost us our lives. …
Tuesday, October 26
Psalm: 10 Meditation Revelation: This passage makes me want to be a martyr (witness); look at what they’re doing in glory. The mark of the martyr is an “all in” commitment to Christ – to be able to offer up one’s life for Him yields exactly what Jesus said, “No greater love.” Some of this …
Monday, August 23
Psalm: 78:1-39 Meditation Acts: This reading brings to a close both Stephen’s sermon and his life. Stephen is regarded as the Church’s first martyr and his life and death are remembered by the Church on the day after Christmas. Stephen accuses his accusers as being just as “stiff-necked” and “uncircumcised” both in heart and ears …
Saturday, December 26
Psalms: 18 Meditation Acts: Today, the Church celebrates the life of Deacon Stephen, the first martyr (or “witness”). We can make several assumptions about Stephen: he was a Greek; burdened with the welfare of the Greek widows and orphans; an evangelist. Acts 7 covers Stephen’s last day on earth and recounts his sermon to the …
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