Acts 7: 51-60 Galatians 1: 11-17
Earlier this spring when I looked at the Lectionary passages provided to me for the devotional ministry, I read among others the verses in Acts referenced above. It is the story of events that led to the stoning of Stephen. At the time I thought there might be a devotional here but I could not see it. It was a scene difficult to contemplate, let alone write about and certainly not bedtime reading. Over the summer I felt a prodding to revisit the passage and read on in the next chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.
As you may recall, Stephen was an apostle who witnessed to his faith in Jesus Christ. His words put him in direct conflict with the hierarchy of the Jewish leaders. He was considered out of the mainstream, dangerous, and he was quickly put to death. His last words were: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” His death marked the beginning of a time of persecution of Christians.
There was a young Jewish man named Saul present at Stephen’s execution who approved of the stoning. Years later following his conversion and name change to Paul, he wrote in a letter to the church of Galatia: “You may have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many Jews of my age for I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.” Paul also wrote in this same letter: “I want you to know that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man nor was I taught it; rather I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” So a question arises for us: How might we experience a revelation from Christ? Certainly there are countless ways but several thoughts come to mind.
Looking Back: This is not to imply that we live in the past but rather to suggest that there are times when we are so close to a situation that any revelation eludes us. This was certainly true of the disciples who did not grasp all that Jesus was telling them. It was later, in light of the resurrection, they began to remember, understand and see with clarity what He had said. Reflection can be illuminating to us as well. This summer I enjoyed an organized tour of several National Parks which concluded near the home of a friend whom I had not seen in years. I knew that she had multiple health issues but on the afternoon of our visit she was dressed, seated and awaiting my arrival. She talked about the death of her sister and I listened and then shared some thoughts. Later when her husband joined us, I said: “I have just seen the majestic Yellowstone Park. Take me back to the summer you met there years ago.” It was a happy time in their lives and the expression of their voices reflected it. Upon returning home I learned that she died one week after our visit. Had I realized that her death was imminent? No, but in looking back I could see some signs that I had over looked. I could also see that events which enabled our visit to occur were not by mere happenstance.
Looking from Another Perspective: Sometimes we become so entrenched in our view of things that it helps to look from another angle. Recently our pastor had a fine sermon in which she spoke about “looking through different lenses.” What might it be like to walk in someone else’s shoes? To whom do we identify in a story and how would the same story feel from another point of view? We might find a revelation or nugget of truth from a different perspective.
Looking to Scripture: The study of scripture with others can be beneficial in discerning God’s word. Daily devotions make a difference in our spiritual journey as well. One helpful thing for me is to read a chapter of the Bible rather than just the verses provided in a daily devotional. The context of what comes before and what follows can provide an insight. Perhaps few have experienced the intense revelation that Paul did but God seeks to be in communion with each of us. Did Paul ever reflect on the scene of Stephen’s death? While he probably did not dwell on it, certainly Paul knew that Christ who had chosen him and called him to proclaim the Gospel was the Lord and Savior to whom Stephen gave witness and offered forgiveness years before.
Prayer:
Open my eyes that I might see glimpses of truth Thou has for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee; Ready my God Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine. Amen.
Sue Woods
