The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

EVEN WHEN DEATH STARES AT YOU-PREACH!

“Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did so do ye”
Acts 7: 51
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The life of Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian faith presents a veritable study in rare courage and faithfulness.  Apprehended for daring to accomplish “great wonders and miracles among the people”, Stephen was summarily arraigned before the Jewish Council, for daring to challenge their hypocrisy and religious belief system.

Stephen carefully outlined Israel’s history, detailing God’s miraculous dealings with them. He also chronicled their constant rejections of God’s kindness. Undisturbed by the possibility of his being sentenced to death, he concluded his sermon in a way that angered them: “… as your Fathers did, so do ye”. Stephen paid the ultimate price for his boldness, yet his convictions were too strong to flag in the face of these religious bigots. While being stoned to death with his spirit unbroken, Stephen saw the heavens opened and his Saviour and the Lord standing to give a glorious welcome to a man who against all odds witnessed before the Council as his Saviour did before Pontius Pilate.

Pause and examine your own convictions in the light of the extraordinary example of Stephen. If you yet remain unconcerned by the need to stand-up for Christ, you need to re-examine your confession as a Christian and dependable child of the Most High. The need to live to please God is the need to do things that will gladden the heart of God. Stephen was never afraid to share the gospel truth even at the face of staring death. I wonder why many of us are doing the opposite today! Speak boldly of the gospel of Christ wherever you have the chance to do so. Funnily, many of our believers today can use any style to beg for money in the name of being broke but to witness the gospel is a shameful thing to them, repent and be counted in among His Kingdom workers.

Prayer: I receive the boldness to speak your word always O Lord

Further Reading: Acts 7:17-60

Read through the Bible: Leviticus 5  & Psalm 3-4