Today’s reading is Acts 6.
Yesterday, we saw problems within the congregation, today we recognize the ongoing persecutions from without the congregation. Up to this point, the leaders of the Jews had persecuted and threatened the Christians, but they had been afraid to act too decisively because of the people. But now there is a shift. While Stephen was performing wonders and signs among the people, folks from the synagogue of the Freedmen started disputing. This wasn’t the Council. These aren’t leaders from the Pharisees or Sadducees, these are members of one of the synagogues. This is the people. Being unable to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit of Stephen, however, they decide to repeat history. Just as the Jews drummed up false charges against Jesus, these guys drum up false charges against Stephen. If you’ve read Acts 6-8 before, you know how this ends. Stephen is stoned. A great persecution begins. The church of Jerusalem is scattered. However, that isn’t the end of the story, is it? Actually, the story goes on from there. The scattered Christians go out teaching in other places. Many other congregations are started. Many other people are converted. Additionally, the apostles stay in Jerusalem and the church there grows to many thousands again. Certainly, we hate to witness the stoning of Stephen, but let’s make sure to see the whole picture. Just like with the problems we saw yesterday. At first, it seems like a terrible defeat, a struggle, a problem. However, in the end, it becomes a magnificent opportunity. We don’t beg for persecution any more than we beg for problems. However, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, keep obeying His will, and then be shocked to discover that though we thought persecution would kill the church, it actually causes it to explode with growth. Things look different when you are on Jesus’s side. Never forget that.
Tomorrow’s reading is Acts 6.
A Word for Our Kids
Hey kids, not trying to be a downer this week, but this is another one of those times in which I have to remind you that, as shocking as it is, not everyone will like Jesus or His way. Having been saved by Him, and having been changed by Him, we can hardly imagine why anyone would be opposed to Him. But they will. And they will stop at nothing to change us or stop us. How should we respond? Just keep on serving the Lord. If they chase us out of one town, just keep sharing the gospel in another. If they kill some of us, the rest of us will just keep bringing life to the world. If they threaten us, we just keep relying on the Lord who was Himself threatened and knows how to help us in our time of need. Be prepared. It may be hard for a time, but victory lies on the other side. Hang on to Jesus no matter what.
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