The First Martyr
"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep." -- Acts 7: 59-60
Today is Memorial Day. It is a day to remember all the men and women who have died to give us the freedom to worship as we please. We are thankful. We are grateful.
I am also grateful to a man named Stephen. He was the first person to give his life for the gospel and, thus, became Christianity's first martyr. He spoke truth, knowing it would end his life in this world. He looked toward heaven and, filled with the Holy Spirit, "saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."
I want to be like Stephen. I want to be the person who could and would die for Jesus. Would I? Would you? Really none of us knows until that exact instance when we must choose. We can plan ahead and vow loyalty and love. We can mean well. But truth comes in that moment when death beckons and we don't want to go.
Stephen's life wasn't defined by his death. We forget that sometimes. He was chosen for his integrity and wisdom to be one of seven people who distributed food to the needy in the early church. He was an activist for his faith. He didn't intend to do good. He did good.
Is it any wonder that opponents seized Stephen? They flung lies at him but he stood strong. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit filled Stephen and he argued with the teachers of the law and the elders. He used Old Testament history to lead them to Jesus, condemning them for failing to recognize the Messiah. So they stoned Stephen to death rather than accept Jesus' gift of salvation.
Memorial Day is a wonderful time to remember all the heroes who have gone before us. Some of those fought wars to give us the right to read Bibles and worship freely. Others defended Jesus and the faith we hold so dear. Thank you to all of them.
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