“And he keeled down and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin
to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60)
Text: Acts 7: 57-60
The greatness of a man is not
necessarily measured in terms of the accumulation of material perquisites.
Greatness is measured in parts by the adroitness and strength of character
displayed in the face of intimidating odds. It is also quantified through the
readiness manifested to be a medium of out-poured grace and blessings to
others.
Against the foregoing, Stephen,
the first martyr among the disciples must be adjured a great man. The religious
leaders understood the meaning and implications of Stephens’s preaching and
what it was all about. They could no longer withstand his bold and powerful
message. Stephen, on the other hand, was not intimidated by the furious and
malicious men.
The enraged religious leaders
went ahead to order that he be stoned to death. In the midst of it, he was
courageous, undaunted and uncompromising. He prayed for his persecutors that
God should not lay it to their charge.
There are people who are easily
crushed and broken in times of difficulties and challenges of life. They think
that they are helpless and hopeless. Some who suffer a little defeat are fallen
unto the dust of failure, despair and discouragement. A courageous believer can
never accept defeat as final because there is something better, higher and
brighter ahead. Stephen demonstrated the virtue of true discipleship by asking
forgiveness for those hell-bent on killing him. His spirit of forgiveness
clearly manifested the divine nature of Christ.
Life is not a treasure for us to
tuck away but to invest in the noblest of virtues that count for God. This must
be done in spite of the trials, temptations, troubles and challenges of life.
The death of Stephen undoubtedly concluded his ministry. Yet, his martyrdom is
a testimony to all who will take a courageous stand for Jesus.
How courageous are you in times
of challenges and battles of life? A life invested in Christ will have
bountiful dividends in time and eternity.
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