What we see in this reading is people acting in ways you might expect. If feeling attacked, one might lash out, placing blame on others. If threatened or misinformed, one might be prone to acting out of revenge or seeking control. Perhaps even lying to get their way becomes an option.
In any event, we see how human nature can wreak havoc on a growing ministry. We also see how the leadership handled grumbling in a way that made sense for a growing membership of believers. You’ve probably seen it in your own ministry groups. Leaders are often over-utilized to handle more than they should.
What a great solution the Twelve came up with! Delegating can be difficult, but we’re given the best formula to learn from. Always look for believers who are full of the spirit’s wisdom and always pray for them and their assignment. I know there are plenty of times when I have rushed past both of these examples and often been very disappointed with the results of that delegated task.
Stephen was highly respected by the people choosing the seven new ministry leaders. He was “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” He was singled out with that distinction as well as for being full of God’s grace. I think I would have really liked Stephen. But some folks felt threatened by him.
These weren’t even local folks who had a problem with Stephen. These regions represent roughly what is northern Africa and present-day Turkey. These Jews would have been part of what’s known as the Jewish diaspora, which is the scattering of Jews from their ancestral home. If only they had gotten a chance to get to know Stephen better.
However, Stephen’s message would not have been anti-Jew; it would have been pro-Jesus. As we know to this day, some Jews don’t accept Jesus as God or Lord of their lives. They don’t understand John 14:6, where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” The men opposing Stephen had not heard or accepted that message.
There are many people who don’t accept Jesus’ message. I, for one, live my life depending on that verse. I want to put Jesus in the center of my life to not only enjoy a relationship with him now, but to be sure of one forever, even after I die and leave this world. Stephen knew this message, and I’m sure he proclaimed it boldly.
Do you fear arrest for your faith? Do you think Stephen feared arrest? After all, the apostles Peter and John had been arrested and jailed. You may recall from a few verses ago that they felt it an honor to have been opposed on matters of faith. We can often get lazy in our faith when things are going well. When challenges come, we might be shaken.
No matter our circumstances, God never changes. He is 100% present, 100% of the time. He loves us fiercely, whether we’re good or bad. He waits for us to seek him. Lean in to his presence today and be refreshed.
Let’s pray. Thank you, Lord, for how you are always available to me in my times of joy and sorrow. I trust you will carry me through each moment of pain and hardship. May I stay focused on you and not be disillusioned by the messages of the world. Jesus is the only way to you, and my gratitude for this truth overflows. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
