November 20, 2008 - Acts 7:52

“’Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him….’” Acts 7:52.
This is Stephen’s culminating moment before the Sanhedrin. He has recounted the history of his people, the Jews, and now has pointed to the past leadership’s guilt concerning their treatment of the prophets of old. And he doesn’t stop there. He presses on to charge the present Hebrew leadership with the betrayal and murder of the “Righteous One,” Jesus, the Messiah, the Chosen One from the Father. This is pretty heady stuff!
Stephen was originally brought before the Sanhedrin on charges of disturbing the peace, and now he is the one bringing charges against them! Consider the courage that this must have taken to stand up in front of this powerful body of people and leaders and to make the kind of charges that he made. Is it any wonder that these leaders reacted by throwing him out and having him stoned to death immediately for his bold comments.
I am amazed at Stephen’s courage. I don’t know if it was the smartest tactic to put on such a full-frontal verbal assault, but he was courageous. Sometimes what would appear to be the “smartest” tactic may not be the correct one. Stephen’s boldness and courage was as a result of his total commitment and passion to follow after Jesus, his Lord and Master. While it was certainly not the safe way out, Stephen stood whole-heartedly for his Master, and he paid the ultimate price, at least in this life, for it.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been in a position where courage and boldness were required of you? What was that like, and how did you do? Today, are you seeking the “safer” or “smarter” tactic, or are you willing to risk it for Jesus’ sake?
Prayer: Father, give me a renewed boldness and courage to stand as Your beacon among the dark world that I walk. Help me to be Your light and salt in our dark and decaying world. Amen.