(The following is the May 15 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Acts 7 and pay close attention to verses 54-60.)
If members of the Sanhedrin had been open to the gospel, Stephen’s testimony would have pierced their hearts and consciences. Instead, they were enraged at him (v. 54). Stephen reported the vision he saw of the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God, and “they yelled at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him” (vv. 57-58).
Evil always rebels against the truth. Even though Christ’s resurrection assures Satan’s ultimate defeat, the Devil and God’s enemies exist and still fight against God’s truth. They use countless tactics to oppose Christ, Christians, and the church. They lie, attack, condemn, persecute, and, if possible, kill God’s faithful ones.
Romans 3:12 reminds us that people are not naturally good, either: “All have turned away; all alike have become worthless. There is no one who does what is good, not even one.” Watch the news or read the headlines, and it is clear that there is no shortage of evil. For example, abortion annually murders 73 million innocent babies made in God’s image – about 200,000 daily worldwide, while supporters applaud and defend it.* Also, terrorists – zealots who do not know the one true God – work daily to fight against their perceived enemies, killing and maiming with glee. These represent more than lousy theology or politics; they are evil straight from the pits of Hell.
Stephen spoke the truth to those in power. Their evil response was to take his life. We must also be faithful to Christ and his Word regardless of the consequences. Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28).
Next Step:
Which evil practices in today’s culture mock God’s Word? Pray for those blinded by sin that they may know Christ, experience his grace, and change their ways.
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* “Abortions worldwide this year,” Worldometer, accessed May 15, 2023, https://www.worldometers.info/abortions.
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