March 21 –The Courage of Stephen – Courage Series
Acts 7:56: The crowd became furious at him, but Stephen looked up to Heaven: “Look,” he said, “I see Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Writing on martyrs is not my favorite. I have always avoided reading books on martyrs, but nowadays, there is a certain pull towards drawing from the courage of those who didn’t fear death.
Erica Jong, American novelist, satirist, and poet, known particularly for her 1973 novel Fear of Flying said, “Have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me.” This becomes the turning point in our lives, when we can look at our fears in their face and say coolly, “I’m not afraid of you anymore, you can’t hurt me, I’m over it!
The stoning of Stephen was one of the most shocking incidents in the New Testament, demonstrating the hatred Jerusalem’s religious authorities for Jesus Christ and the Believers. We face this today, with the violence on believers. Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit, who gave him anointing, wisdom and courage to preach despite hatred and fierce opposition.
When Stephen was stoned by the mob and dying, he looked to Heaven and his face shone like an angel, he saw the Heavens open, saw Jesus and with joy committed his spirit to Christ. Stephen died with joy in his soul. Saul of Tarsus watching him die and approving his murder, later had a supernatural encounter with Christ that transformed his life. Miracles happen on the death of martyrs. They release a certain anointing for God to work in a mightier way on Earth. This is because demons lose ground over situations when a martyr dies.
Know, in times of persecution, God will be with you. You do not have to be afraid.
God even opened the Heavens and showed Stephen angels. Stephen was now translated to the spiritual and supernatural realm.
Though Stephen was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, he was still aware of his surroundings and asked God for forgive his persecutors.
Because he forgave them, he released God to work in his persecutors. As we know, Saul of Tarsus, approving his death, later became a mighty Christian after an encounter with Christ on the Road to Damascus. When we confess our forgiveness of our persecutors, God releases His power and presence to work among them and they too get to know God! This only happens because of the power of the Love of Christ shed on the Cross. Nowhere else has such love been displayed because on the Cross, Christ had to deal with darkness trying to swallow Him up and demons hounding Him, plus physical agony, and yet He said “Forgive them.”
Martyrs are highly esteemed by God. In Revelation 6:9-11, martyrs in Heaven are given white robes, and gold crowns of life. Because of their death and their forgiveness, the Holy Spirit has ground to work on the soil of the persecutors! Revival happens on those very spots. Greater things will happen after going through seasons of pain. A grain of wheat has to die to yield better harvest.
Rita
Comments