Acts 7:36-60

         I struggled to open my Bible this morning as I didn’t want to read the second half of this chapter. I know what happens. Lord Jesus, God Almighty, thank you for Stephen’s witness, for his love, and his focus on You. Please open my eyes as I read this morning.

         The Israelites did not recognize Moses as a man sent by God to rescue them (v. 25). Somehow, Moses sensed his calling as a ruler and judge – but it was not yet time. (God’s timing is perfect, as are His ways). The Israelites would suffer another 40 years before Moses would return because they could not see, nor did they want, the man God brought as their rescuer. That’s the theme of this passage: rescue. It’s the same message each of us needs to hear today: rescue and a responsibility not to reject God.

         God’s purposes always prevail. Just as God sent Moses back to Egypt to the people who had previously rejected him, one day, he will send back his Son for final judgment.

         Stephen was making it crystal clear that he did understand and believe that God sent Moses to be the ruler and savior – and God used many wonders and miraculous signs to show his hand in leading his people through Moses. Then Stephen uses Moses’ words to point to Jesus, the final Savior. God provided for and was with the Bible heroes of this passage (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and David); likewise, he provides for us today and promises each of us an inheritance in heaven.

         The Jews knew that God would raise a Prophet like Moses from among God’s people (Exodus 3:5-10; Deut. 18:15). God used an angel to pass these life-giving words to the Israelites. It’s one thing to know about God; it’s another to know and trust the Righteous One, as Stephen knew Him.

         Stephen makes it clear that the Israelites rejected Moses and, in so doing, rejected God’s Prophet. Stephen made it clear that there is a consequence for rejecting God. That’s the human condition, the tragedy of mankind. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin. He uses people like Stephen to explain what King David knew so well. Each man is a sinner. Every one of us needs a Savior. And God, in his incredible love for us, has been calling us from our conception (Psalm 51:5) to hear Him and trust Him.

         And then Stephen addresses the charge that he spoke blasphemy regarding the Temple (v. 44). He explains well (the Author of Creation taught him!) the history and meaning of the Tabernacle and Temple. Stephen knows the Temple in Jerusalem was just a shadow of the actual Temple, the One greater than anything a man can conceive, no less build.

         And then, just like that, Stephen stops explaining the response to the charges – God strikes his chord of truth. It is the Jews who were stubborn, uncircumcised at heart, and resisting the Holy Spirit. Here’s the tragedy, it is God’s chosen nation that repeatedly rejects God. And it is the tragedy of every person who does not trust Jesus and accept His gift of forgiveness.

         They killed the prophets who predicted the coming of the Righteous One.

         And they betrayed and murdered the Righteous One, the Messiah, the Rescuer.

         Here’s the charge: “You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels,” (v. 53). That stings. That’s strong.

         Calling out sin is a spiritual charge. It is a critical part of the Gospel message. The Son of Man is alive, in heaven, at God’s right hand. Reject that truth at your peril.

                Lord Jesus, show your power today. Embolden me. Embolden every believer and multiply our faith in you as we speak your truth, the Truth. Please give us the joy of salvation today and a spirit of loyalty to You alone. Please keep being patient, as many more are converted to believe in you. Amen.