Week 13 - A Messenger of God

In my opinion, one of the greatest men of the faith in the Bible is one who doesn't have a whole lot of Scripture limelight. There's nothing mentioned of his childhood or even his adulthood background except for a few extraordinary comments. He was a man full of faith, power and the Holy Spirit. He did great wonders and miracles among the people of his day. In fact, this man was so full of the Holy Spirit that even people who wanted to kill him couldn't because they were captivated by his spirit and wisdom when he taught. Instead, those who wished him dead, actually sought out and petitioned others to help create an uproar against this man of faith. So who was he? His name was Stephen.

The first mention of Stephen in the Bible is in Acts 6:5. Here he is being selected to fulfill duties of the church, or better, he is being ordained as a deacon. After his ordination, mentioned in Acts 6:6, Stephen is said to have performed great wonders and miracles (vs. 8). He was a faithful disciple of the Lord and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Yet, religious legalist of the synagogue wanted nothing to do with Stephen's gospel message. So, they found men willing to commit perjury against Stephen.

Now, isn't that ironic? Here the so called "godly" figures of the day are seen sneaking around inducing people to lie for them in order to support their religious agendas. Friends, always know that if you have to cheat, lie, steal, murder, etc. in order to better yourself or support your beliefs, your actions are not of God; they are fully of the devil. This event in Stephen's life is a prime example of this very fact.

Nevertheless, despite the false accusations brought against Stephen, he never compromised his Christian character to protect himself. In fact, the Bible says that his face looked like the face of an angel during his trial. This is important to note. If you study the Greek definitions of the words used in the phrase from Acts 6:15, "[they] saw his face as it had been the face of an angel," you will find it literally means his countenance took on or looked as though it were the face of a messenger of God. This is interesting because this verse is the last verse of Acts 6 and Stephen's trial testimony (or message from God) pics up immediately in Act 7:2-53. So, immediately after Stephen's appearance changes, he beings speaking the message God has given him for these religious leaders and court authorities. Now, do you remember in past devotions I've told you how God made no mistakes in the words/phrases he chose to have penned in the Bible? Each word is divinely inspired. Keeping that in mind, look ahead to Acts 7:53. Stephen's last words of his testimony/message are these: "Who [Stephen's accusers] have the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." His final words had to have struck a nerve in these men (a major nerve as we will talk about next week). Here these accusers are looking on this man who has been ordained as a deacon, supernaturally transformed to look like the face of an angel or messenger of God, and given a detailed testimony of the Jewish past and everything God has done for them. Then in his summary statement, he tells them...in my words..."You have been given everything you need to know about the law and the Messiah. It has been revealed to you by the disposition or authority of ordaining angels and you still have missed it; you still refuse to believe the facts."

On that day in history, God transformed Stephen into an ordained angel, a messenger of God, an authority these accusers no doubt would listen to as they "thought it their duty to receive what was enjoined [ministered] by angels" and they still refused to listen and accept Christ. How utterly sad.

Thank God for examples like Stephen. Next week we will look a little further into his briefly mentioned, but powerful ministry example. I encourage you to read Acts 6 & 7 this week and let the faith of this amazing individual encourage your faith.

If you have never received Christ as your personal Savior, I beg you not to be as these religious legalist of Stephen's day who served their own pride and agendas by refusing to listen to the truth. Christ has provided you with all you need to know to place your faith in Him. His Word is His love letter to you. Inside of it, He lovingly urges you to come to Him. Don't turn Him away. Confess your sins and need for Him. Ask Him to be your Savior. He promised in Romans 10:13, "For whosoever [that means anyone, no matter who you are or your current circumstance], shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved [immediately as you place your faith in Him]. Won't you turn to Him today?

References:
http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html
http://www.blueletterbible.org