As Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, they asked him about all of the accusations against him, “Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?” (Acts 7:1)

     Stephen answers them by relating the history of Israel in terms of how God worked in the lives of people, beginning with Abraham and all the way up until the reign of King David.  He concludes his remarks with a blatant truth, “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!  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— you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” (Acts 7:51-53)

     It’s not hard to believe that they didn’t like what they heard coming from Stephen, but it was the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts.  Stephen turned the accusations against him around and laid it on them!

     Paul said, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) All of us need to be aware of this truth and come to grips with our human condition.  The good news is that when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, our sins are forgiven and we take up a new way of life.  God loves us and wants us to welcome him into our lives.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the opportunity to have a new way of life.  We pray for this truth to be revealed to everyone, and for them to respond favorably, because we know of the impact it makes on our lives.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.