The Resurrection of our Lord

Easter Sunday, April 16:

The Stoning of Stephen

When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

Acts 7:54-60

We’ve heard about many things since we began our journey on Ash Wednesday, forty-six days ago. You read about Kristin, a missionary working with youth in rural Kent, England, and her concern her father Ralph’s health. Rejoice with her, for Ralph broke the Vigil last night with his family and celebrates Easter with the whole congregation today.

Pastor Leitzke, our new associate pastor, translated St. Paul’s letter to the Romans from the original New Testament Greek version. His Good Friday devotion reminded us that we all sin and all fall short, but we are also all equally saved through the Sacrifice of the Lamb two thousand years ago. For Jesus Christ is risen today.

We looked at the Spiritual Gifts of Humility, Mercy, Intercession, Music, Evangelism, Giving, and Faith. Faithful Christians witnessed about using their gifts and about how, as they served, they became free. For Giving, we thought about Abraham’s Test, where he bound Isaac to the sacrificial altar. We heard a young women Sing a New Song as she used not only her gift of Music, but as she remembered her baptismal promise to serve the whole Church, to serve Him.

We heard about Grace, the hearing impaired six-year old who will sing for joy at the drop of a hat. We wondered about whether God hears Grace’s songs and if he smiles. Our God knew us from the beginning of time for we are his sheep. He listened to our prayers from our first “Our Father”. But have we listened to Him? Have we said, like David, “I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart”? (Psalm 40:8)

Today’s verse shows how a seemingly terrible event can be turned to good because there is someone who can turn the Deceiver’s schemes on their head. The Prince of This World thought he won a great victory when the first Deacon, Stephen, was killed. A pillar of the church, who fed widows and orphans, they dragged him outside the city walls and pelted him with stones. Saul egged the mob on while watching their coats. But God connects people together and His plan is far more subtle than any here on Earth. For Stephen witnessed not just to Saul but also to Paul. And, when Saul’s eyes were opened on the Road to Damascus, the forgiven Paul wrote down Stephen’s words.

Today we remember the empty cross, the promise fulfilled. In Stephen’s Stoning, we hear of a brother who used his gifts with all his heart, who saw the Father and the Son while still living, who asked God to forgive his killers as he died. Can we say we have used our gifts as well or as much? Will we be like the good and faithful servants who put their talents to use? Leave this Lenten Walk strong in Faith filled with Scripture and saved by Grace.

My God and Lord,

Let me in Humility come nearer to You each day,

May I be merciful as You are merciful to me,

Intercede for those in my prayers,

Let my voice praise you in song for you are Almighty

Let me bear witness to the world so that all people may hear the Good News,

Grant me a giving spirit, for all people are connected through You, and we shall meet, altogether, on the Day of Judgment,

Give me the Faith of the Apostle Peter, although I know a mustard seed of Faith is enough to move mountains,

Receive my spirit, as I received your Spirit.

Amen

Dennis Blazak

Joyjoywrld57@msn.com