“Then the high priest asked Stephen, ‘Are these charges true?’ To this he replied: ‘Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’ ”
– Acts 7:1-3
When Stephen said yes to helping feed widows, the Holy Spirit came upon him and he began to preach boldly and perform many miracles. That’s when the Jewish officials took notice, and he became a target of the Sanhedrin. When he was brought before them, he taught them about the Old Testament. As he told the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, he spoke with authority while boldly calling out the Isrealites long-standing resistance to the Word of God. But why would an intelligent man stand in front of a group of highly educated rabbis and attempt to instruct them on the Bible? I believe it’s because he wasn’t really speaking to them. In the crowd, there were children and teenagers who needed to hear what he had to say. His message rang out to a larger audience and has impacted religious history for thousands of years, right up until today. Friend, when the Lord moves in your heart, boldly proclaim His truth! If the Holy Spirit gives you words to speak, be faithful to His lead. Don’t hold your tongue for fear of being harmed, rejected, or looking stupid. Your words carry weight, and with your lips surrendered to Jesus, He will use you to bless and shape those around you, especially future generations. Do everything you can to be a peacemaker, but when God gives you a platform and drops His words in your spirit, speak them loudly and clearly! |
Prayer
When you give me words to speak, Jesus, grant me courage and confidence to give voice to your heart.
Reflection
Has God ever called you to speak truth that was unpopular or didn’t seem to make sense at the time?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Thanks Bobby! With all the political rhetoric today- I have to remember that goodness and mercy will prevail and ultimately God is in control. In a world where anything goes I have to hold strong to God’s Word.