Forgive Them

Acts 7:54-60

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

What an amazing account!  First I see the uncontrolled anger of the scribes and priests. When their way and will was frustrated, they became pawns of their own emotions. Their primal rage resulted in teeth grinding. Definitely a TMJ moment! Then they cried with a loud voice, stopped their ears, rushed at him, threw him out of the city, and stoned him. They had lost all self-control and really had become animals, raging and ravenous wolves seeking to devour Stephen. Secondly, the response of Stephen was in marked contrast to his predators. In his final moments he saw heaven opened ready to receive him. He was not focused on his fear or the eminent danger but on the One who could give him strength and peace. Certainly, Is. 26:3 was a reality for him! As he looked upward [ which is the only place to look in a moment like this], he saw Jesus waiting for him. Then, following in the steps of Jesus, he asked the Lord not to hold this sin against his accusers and his killers. Stephen had truly answered the call of I Pet. 2:21-23. He was following in the footsteps of Jesus! His heart was full of forgiveness in the face of violence, love in the face of anger, and holiness in the face of unleashed evil! How like Jesus he was!

Father,
I can not even imagine this scene. What grace and strength You have to give to those who obey You unreservedly. Give me the courage to follow Your words and to answer Your call. Keep my mind stayed on You.
In Jesus name,
Amen