READING: 1 Samuel 3-5, Psalm 23, Acts 6
The nature of fallen humanity is that we reject truth and believe lies. That’s why we need God’s grace: we simply cannot save ourselves.
This reality of our fallenness is evident in today’s New Testament reading about Stephen’s ministry. Stephen was filled with faith, grace, and power. He followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit, no matter what the cost might have been. God did mighty miracles through him, but still the religious leaders turned against him. They rejected his truth and then propagated lies and promoted false witnesses against him. The opposition would cost Stephen his life, but still the people saw that “his face was like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15)—apparently with the glory of God radiating through him.
This text also helps me think about how I share the gospel with folks. In my estimation, it’s good to learn (1) why a non-believer has not accepted the truth of Christ, and (2) what lies that non-believer is currently believing. We then share the gospel with that person in the power of the Spirit, trusting God to debunk the lies he believes and bring him to the truth of Christ. Only God can do that.
And, He still does!
PRAYER: “God, show me first where I’m ignoring or rejecting truth. Help me to see any lies I have believed.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 6-8, Acts 7
