Topic: Courage In Adversity [Wednesday July 15, 2015]
Text: Acts 7:57-60
Key Verse: “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60).
The greatness of a man is not necessarily measured in terms of the accumulation of material perquisites. Greatness is measured in part by the adroitness and strength of character displayed in the face of intimidating odds. It is also quantified through the readiness manifested to be a medium of out-poured grace and blessings to others.
Against the foregoing, Stephen, the first martyr amongst the disciples must be adjudged a great man. The religious leaders understood the meaning and implications of Stephen’s preaching and what it was all about. They could no longer withstand his bold and powerful message. Stephen on the other hand, was not intimidated by the furious and malicious men. The enraged religious leaders went ahead to order that he be stoned to death. In the midst of it, he was courageous, undaunted and uncompromising. He prayed for his persecutors that God should not lay it to their charge.
There are people who are easily crushed and broken in times of difficulties and challenges of life. They think that they are helpless and hopeless. Some who suffer a little defeat are fallen unto the dust of failure, despair and discouragement. A courageous believer can never accept defeat as final because there is something better, higher and brighter ahead. Stephen demonstrated the virtue of true discipleship by asking forgiveness for those hell-bent on killing him. His spirit of forgiveness clearly manifested the divine nature of Christ.
Life is not a treasure for us to tuck away but to invest in the noblest of virtues that count for God. This must be done in spite of the trials, temptation, troubles and challenges of life. The death of Stephen undoubtedly concluded his ministry. Yet, his martyrdom is a testimony to all who will take a courageous stand for Jesus. How courageous are you in times of challenges and battles of life?
Bible In One Year: Genesis 45-47
Thought For The Day: Life invested in Christ will have bountiful dividends in time and eternity.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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