Passage of the Day:
“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,” Acts 7:51-57.
Reflection:
Based upon the accounts of the 4 gospels, the only people Jesus regularly spoke out against were religious zealots. On numerous occasions, experts in Jewish law, Pharisees, Sadducees and various religious leaders tried to trick and outwit Jesus. However, after a series of unsuccessful attempts, these religious zealots finally gave up, Matthew 22:46. As for the apostle Stephen, he became just as frustrated with religious zealots, who were obsessed with the Torah. This legalistic emphasis prevented Jewish leaders from being open to the Holy Spirit. While speaking out against religious zealots who deviate from the Bible is necessary, if no one listens to you, move on to teachable individuals. Matthew 7:6.
Prayerful Action:
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces, Matthew 7:6.”
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed unteachable individuals. Matthew 7:1-5 appears to be directed toward Jewish leaders who live by the motto, “do as I say, not as I do.” Jesus makes sure that before you speak out against someone for their actions, behavior or choices made, make sure you’ve gotten this specific area under control in your own life. As for Stephen, he was falsely accused of saying blasphemous words against Moses and against God in Acts 6:10. This arrest led to Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7. Knowing he was about to be stoned, Stephen didn’t hold back, rebuking religious zealots for their unbelief.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Spiritual discipline is one of those areas inside of churches that is loosely applied. Subsequently, when control and power-hungry Christians go unchecked, religious zealots are conceived. Before these individuals create division within your church, don’t be afraid to speak out when the timing is right.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 