Acts 6:8-7: 2a 51-60 v 7-59 “As they stoned him, Stephen prayed,” Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. But one day some men from the synagogue of freed slaves started to debate with him. They persuaded some men to lie about Stephen. So, they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council. At this point everyone stared at Stephen as his face became as bright as an angel. Replying to his accusers he said listen. “You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit?” And he told them “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” As they stoned him, Stephen prayed,” Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And with that he died.
New years day! A new beginning and an old story about a good man who died young. Despite his belief and the wonderous signs people saw him perform, even when on trial his face shone like that of an angel, those in the high council, were deaf to the truth, and a truly righteous man was stoned to death.
New choices! Choose today to open your heart to the Holy Spirit. Allow God to transform you! As most new years resolutions fall away by February, start a spiritual practice, with Jesus as your helper, great things will happen including the perseverance to continue well into the new year! And in the end, we will be able to say, “Lord receive my spirit.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the miracle of the birth of your Son, who sits at your right hand. Help us to follow Him more closely in this new year. Amen.
CrossWalk 