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February 10, 2020

Acts 7:59-8:1

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.
And Saul approved of their killing him.
New International Version (NIV)

Some things you never forget. Faces for example. I remember the look on my dad’s face when he returned from serving in Southeast Asia. These days I am captivated by the face of a granddaughter who loves to smile and chatter. I also love the love on my wife’s face looks when she looks at little Josie’s face.

Saul had a front row seat to murder as he held the jackets of the people who stoned Stephen to death. He gave his explicit approval. Ever after, Saul (who would become Paul) would remember that Stephen’s face looked like an angel when the Sanhedrin put him on trial. He would remember Stephen’s voice asking for forgiveness for his murderers as the stones whizzed through the air and hit their mark, killing Stephen. Who forgives those who harm them?

Even as Paul wreaked havoc on the church, those pictures remained in his mind. Why would someone as smart as Stephen believe in Jesus whom Saul rejected? Why would someone forgive his murderers while they were in the act of killing him? Stephen reminded Saul of someone. Who was it? Oh yes, it was Jesus.

Maybe you too have tried to do something good, but unintentionally caused grave harm. Saul was responsible for what he did. But even as he was hurting others, God was working, preparing to draw Saul to himself. Stephen saw Jesus standing in his honor as he gave his life as a martyr. The word for martyr is the word for witness in Greek. Stephen witnessed and testified about Jesus by dying.

Before long, Saul too would see Jesus and hear his voice asking, “Why are you persecuting me?” When he met Jesus, Saul saw the face of forgiveness. And he remembered Stephen who prayed for him. And Stephen’s prayer was answered. God forgave Saul. Some things we never forget.

Pray with me:

Father, we forget many things. Help us not to forget the faces of those who brought us close to you. Release us from our self-loathing over mistakes we have made. When we see your face, let us see the face of forgiveness, and remember the price you paid to release us from our sins. And help us never to forget. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:

Matthew 5:13-14

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG

We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.

Joyfully,
Duane

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Houston, TX | 77024 US

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