Eyes Like Stephens

What does it mean to keep our gaze heavenward? Stephen shows us exactly what that looks like and why it is so crucial in a world of false teachings and persecution.

In Acts 7, Stephen is met with fierce opposition from the religious council. Stephen's reply to them was to reference God's faithfulness:

- God's promise of descendants to Abraham (v. 5)

- Punishment on those who oppress Israel (v. 7)

- The covenant of circumcision (v. 8)

- God rescuing Joseph (v. 9-10)

- God sparing Moses (v. 20-21)

- God appearing to Moses in the burning bush and sending him back to Egypt (v. 34)

Stephen made a point to reference God's goodness to His people, but also His wrath on those who hurt HIs loved ones and disobey His commands (v. 39-43). God is loving, and He is also just.

One thing Stephen was not afraid to do was to call someone out. He spoke to the council and said, "You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit?..." (v. 51)

The Jewish leaders were pretty mad about the things Stephen was saying to them (not surprised...) and they "shook their fists at him in rage." (v. 54)

BUT (whenever you see the word "but" in the bible, be sure to pay extra careful attention to what comes after it - it's usually pretty incredible) Stephen's eyes were locked on Jesus (v. 55). He was anchored to the Father. No man, or opposition, or threat could deter him from speaking the truth of the gospel.

The people grew even angrier at Stephen for speaking the truth boldly, so instead of opening their hearts to God they turned on him and stoned him to death (v. 57-58). Persecution is not a new concept. These people hated the truth, so they killed the messenger. People will hate you because they hate God. Be prepared for that, but don't let it make you take your gaze off the Father.

As Stephen was dying he cried out to God and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit...Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" (v. 59-60)

Even in his last breath Stephen was 1) running to the Lord and 2) praying for his enemies. Notice he didn't say "Lord, please don't let me die!" or "Jesus please don't make me talk to them I'm scared of how they'll react!" (definitely all things that would be running through my mind if I am being honest) No. His prayer was for his persecutors to know and accept the truth of the gospel.

So often I will cower away from opportunities to share the gospel because it is uncomfortable or I am shy or uncertain, while Stephen faced mobs and stones just to have the word of the Lord be heard! What an incredible example to those of us living in fear. I'm not saying Stephen wasn't afraid (idk, I wasn't there) but even if he was it was irrelevant to his God-given mission. Nothing was strong enough to take his eyes off the throne because He trusted God with his life.

My prayer for you and myself is that we would have eyes like Stephen. That we would preach boldly with our gaze fixed to the Father; this does not make opposition disappear, but it takes away its power. How can we be afraid when we are looking to our Heavenly Father?!