Destined for More: Stephen
The early New Testament church era was a unique time. The Holy Spirit set upon the church in a visible performance of endowing them with its power and presence. Through the indwelling of the Spirit, the Apotles performed miracles, suddenly spoke in foreign tongues, and were miraculously freed from prison. A couple who lied to Peter dropped dead. Powerful stuff.
Acts 7:60 [KJV] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Apparently, the 12 disciples also felt tasked with overseeing the care of widows – “serving tables”, as they called it. I hope they didn’t also feel it was their job to empty the trash and sweep the floors.
In the church I grew up in, anyone could clean, but the role of deacon one you could aspire to if you truly wanted to help serve widows, plus hand out songbooks, and keep a watchful eye on the behavior of the rest of the congregation during the service.
Back to the early New Testament. Groups of brethren complained that their widows were being neglected by the 12. Ya think?! I mean, these guys were busy preaching the gospel, being imprisoned and beaten, casting out demons, healing the sick, and being grilled by the authorities.
This is a lesson in learning to delegate, but I will leave that for another time. The apostles decided they would look for seven men “of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom”. They were not about to just let any warm body take care of the widows. I like that, but I digress again.
Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit was one of seven men chosen to serve in this role.
Luke, the author of Acts, felt it was important to expressly state that Stephen was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit”. Even though we should assume it was true of the other six, after all it was part of the job requirements, Luke seemed to be making sure we understand just what kind of man Stephen was.
And the 12 thought, “hey, this guy could serve tables”. I’m not knocking the service of widows. God tasks us all with taking care of the less fortunate. I’m just wondering why the apostles did not think, “Here is a man who could be sent out as Jesus sent us out.”?
Fortunately, God had something else in mind for Stephen. He brought Stephen to everyone’s attention as a being a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit” because he was destined for something so much more.
Stephen served where he was placed by the leaders. I think, given what we know about his character, it is safe to assume that he served gladly in this job – until God used him for more.
Acts 6:8,10 [KJV] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people…v.10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake
God had a plan for Stephen to give a powerful testimony for and of Jesus. Read all of Acts 7 – Stephen’s defense. Stephen knew the scriptures. He knew the power and the testimony of Jesus. Starting with Abraham he outlined the plan of God and the rebellion of His chosen people.
Those listening were “cut to the heart”. But rather than responding with humility and repentance, the stoned him.
In a powerful testimony of God’s pleasure with Stephen’s witnessing, Stephen “saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God”. When he spoke honestly of what he say, the crowd became enraged and stoned Stephen.
But Stephen was not yet finished showing the crowd the difference between one who is broken by God into humble service, and they their own stiff-necked refusal to bow before the Son of God.
Acts 7:60 [KJV] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Do you ever feel like people don’t recognize your qualifications for the more prestigious jobs? After all, a man like Stephen could have been used to preach, surely. Do you sometimes feel that your talents are not valued or even recognized?
Maybe Stephen did too.
Stephen’s witness is short-lived, but powerful. Ordained to serve the widows, he was destined for a witness and testimony against the leaders of his generation.
Sweet sisters, never ever be tempted to believe that God does not have something important for you. He sees your talents and willingness in a way others may not. It is He alone who settles the plans for your life when you submit to Him.
Proverbs 19:21 [ESV] Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
God’s purpose for your life stands far about any limitations you or others would place on your life.
I welcome your comments and questions. You can write me in the comments section, or any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org