Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
Mt 10:17-22
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Reading over the account of Stephen’s life, ministry and ensuing martyrdom in Acts Chapters 6 and 7, I find myself humbled. Here is a man, so in love with his Savior, so full of faith and belief in the promises of the life to come that he gives no thought to the persecutions of this world. Here is a man who didn’t hesitate to spread the good news, a man who literally gave his earthly life for the sake of sharing Jesus’ message, a man who didn’t need to think twice about if this exchange was “worth” it. Here is a man who truly reflected what it means to be an evangelist, to be someone who believes so strongly in Jesus’ message of salvation and love that he was willing to give his own life in the process of sharing this great story with all he encountered. Here is a man who truly gave his life for Jesus’ sake…and in doing so gained eternal life (Matthew 16:25).
Unlike Stephen, I often find myself placing my own personal comfort level above the call to share Jesus’ message of salvation. Too often I find myself hiding behind pretenses of “it’s just not the right moment” or “that would make things awkward” when faced with moments of opportunity to speak Jesus’ message to friends, acquaintances, coworkers, etc. Too often I neglect to realize how miniscule these concerns are when compared to eternal life. Am I really so concerned with how people perceive me, what they think about me, that I refrain from sharing God’s love with them? Am I really so focused on myself that I cannot step out of my comfort zone to proclaim the most important news known to mankind? Sometimes (well, more like most of the time) I am. I lose sight of what matters, what is lasting versus what is not. I forget that I am here for a greater purpose than to feel comfortable, be liked, etc. I am here by the grace of God, called according to his purpose…a purpose that is undeniably centered around sharing his offer of love, grace and eternal life.
My prayer today is that I might embrace this purpose, this higher calling, more wholeheartedly. That I might live a life more like Stephen’s…a life focused on sharing the message of salvation and love extended to us by our heavenly father. A life that keeps Jesus at the center, a life that isn’t dictated by my perceived comforts and discomforts. My prayer is that I would be granted the grace and courage necessary to share Jesus’ message of love, hope and salvation with all those I am blessed to encounter throughout this life.