Stephen, a servant of the Lord and anointed minister to the poor in Jerusalem was standing before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court who accused the disciple of blasphemy.
In his defense, Stephen addressed the Jewish rulers via a recapitulation of scripture, in tune with the teachings of the Torah and old testament.
First, Stephen quoted scripture by mentioning God’s call to Abraham who rooted the Hebrew nation. Then, the disciple followed in exhortation by mentioning the journey of the Patriarchs, from their home land to Egypt where Moses was chosen to lead and deliver the enslaved Jewish seed out of bondage, an onto the promise land where Yahweh’s promise would be fulfilled.
“37 This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.” (Acts 7:37)
Stephen shares the words of Moses to the people of Israel, that God would choose one among them, a rejected, enslaved soul through which prophecy would be delivered then fulfilled. Moses was born a Jew, raised as an Egyptian prince, then cast out of Pharaoh’s house as a Hebrew slave.
“38 This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, 39 whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” (Acts 7:38-40)
Stephen describes Moses as the mediator of God, who was appointed by Yahweh through an angel on Mount Sinai to deliver the Hebrew nation from bondage and lead them out of Egypt.
On their journey to the promise land, Jewish leaders became impatient and doubted Moses, then they turn their backs on God, worshiping idols and relying on false gods for salvation.
“41 And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42 Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets: ‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch, And the star of your god Remphan, Images which you made to worship; And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.” (Acts 7:41-43)
Stephen describes a time when the children of Israel put their trust in man made idols and false gods rather than Yahweh, the only true God. For this, the heavenly Father would punish His children until His plan would bring the Jewish nation to the promise land.
God’s plan is indeed perfect. through His servant Stephen, the Lord spoke words of wisdom meant to encourage skeptics to surrender control to the heavenly Father, and believe. The fate of God’s servant would soon come to a glorious end. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
