DECEMBER 7, Acts 7:54-60

Stephen was the first Christian martyr recorded in church history. What is a martyr? Someone who dies for his Christian faith. Chapter 6 describes the start of the ministry of Stephen and chapter 7 details the rest of his stand for Christ, ending with his death.

Wicked men who were against Stephen’s preaching in the synagogue reported him to the elders and scribes and had him brought before the Jewish council. Before the Jewish council, these wicked men accused Stephen of blasphemy. Stephen, in his defence, spoke boldly before the Jewish council and condemned them for rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ. The crowd who listened to what Stephen had said became very angry. They took Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death.

Stephen was a fearless preacher of God’s Word, yet God allowed him to suffer, even to be stoned to death! Why would God allow such things to happen to those who love Him so much? The Bible tells us in Philippians 1:29, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” All believers are called to suffer for Jesus’ sake. Some like Stephen are even called to die for Jesus’ sake.

Dear children, you may not be called to be a martyr like Stephen, but you may be called to suffer for the Lord Jesus in your own way. Have you experienced being teased by your school friends for being a Christian? Did anyone make fun of you when you said “grace” before your meal? You need to trust in God and know that suffering for the Lord Jesus is part and parcel of Christian living. Our suffering for Jesus will bring glory to His Name (1 Peter 4:16).

Thought: All believers are called to suffer for Christ!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Lord Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for me. Help me to count it a privilege to suffer for Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.