November 13, 2008 - Acts 7:51

“’You stiffed-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!’” Acts 7:51.
Stephen cuts to the heart, charging his Hebrew leadership audience with resistance and disobedience to the Holy Spirit. He really grabs their attention with his claim that, even though they had been physically circumcised, their hearts and ears had not. In effect, he was saying that they were spiritual rebels who were not under God’s authority in any way. In fact, they were hostile to God, working against God’s purposes. This is really bold stuff!! Here Stephen is, standing in front of the most powerful gathering of leaders in all of Israel at his time and, remember, they are, already, not happy with him, challenging them – charging them – with turning against God.
Yet, as I ponder on this charge, I must admit that there are times when I act like the people that Stephen is confronting. I know that, like the Pharisees, I start thinking that I am “better” than some other people or that I need to keep myself “apart” from those “sinners”, after all, I need to be safe, “spiritual,” and “holy.” While I am not sure that I “always resist the Holy Spirit,” I know that there are times when I do, and probably many more than I would care to admit!
When I read this verse, I am challenged to ask God if there be any “stiff-necked-ness” within me; to ask if my heart and ears are “uncircumcised”. It is my desire to be clay – workable, moldable clay – in my Potter’s hands.
Questions to consider: Can you relate to being “stiff-necked” or “uncircumcised”, as these people were? What does that look like in your life? What was Jesus’ example? What do you desire to be?
Prayer: Father, I confess that there are times, mostly many more than I am aware of, when I act just like the people that Stephen is confronting? Please forgive me for my be stiffed-necked and uncircumcised; resisting Your Holy Spirit’s activity in my life? Give me a heart and ears to recognize You and to follow after You. Amen.