Learning to Talk with God - Pt. 3

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54–60 ESV).

 

Our reading today tells the story of the first martyr. It also reveals what a disciples’ prayer should be. The story begins as Stephen finishes his defense against false accusations, he notes that many prophets in the past were persecuted and killed—and that his accusers did the same to Jesus. At this, the crowd becomes an angry mob that drags Stephen out of the city and begins to stone him. When Stephen says he sees heaven open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, that means Jesus is in the place of ultimate authority. And the leaders who wanted Jesus dead and gone cannot bear to hear this testimony, so they rush to silence Stephen by killing him.

 

In the midst of his suffering, Stephen prays. The link between Stephen and Jesus is clear and dynamic. His words are similar to some words Jesus said while he was suffering on the cross (cf. Luke 23:46). And because of the link between Jesus and Stephen, the testimony of Stephen continues. A martyr’s death continues the work of God.

 

Such a connection to Jesus is important to develop in our prayer life. Through such a relationship we can transcend the seeming distance that separates us from experiencing the strength and power necessary to face even the most difficult circumstances. It is very interesting that this brings Stephen to pray for those who are intent on his destruction and death. Notice how God uses this. On the sidelines in this story we see someone whose life will be forever changed by an encounter with Jesus. Saul, a young leader who approves of this stoning, will one day understand how Stephen’s prayer, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” was answered that day. Pray with that kind of power!