Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Since becoming a parent I’ve thought a lot about the kind of legacy I’m leaving for my kids. How will they remember me? Will the good stick with them or will the bad be more prevalent in their minds?

How will you be remembered? What kind of legacy will be told about you after you’re gone? Will you be remembered for the husband or wife you are? Or for the parent you have been for your kids? Maybe for the dedication to your job? The kind of friend you have been to those around you? It’s ok, take a minute to think and reflect on those questions.

In Acts, we hear about a man named Stephen. There’s not much known about Stephen - where he came from, who his parents were, or if he had a wife or children. But we do know about his love for God. He was a follower of Jesus, proclaiming the Gospel. If you grew up in church you likely heard about “Stephen the Martyr.” And, if you’re like me, you probably dismissed the story pretty quickly thinking, “I’ve never even heard of anyone being killed for proclaiming the Gospel; this can’t apply to me.” I never pay it much mind, but after reading this chapter again, what struck me was Stephen’s compassion for those who were killing him. I can’t imagine the pain of being stoned to death, and in the midst of all that, Stephen’s last words in verse 60 were “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” I had to stop and just reflect on this for a moment. In his dying breath, he didn’t speak anything of himself, of his family, or even of his pain. He spoke with compassion for those killing him. He still wanted them to come to Christ. He wanted them to experience the Gospel for themselves.

One of the men there stoning him was a man you may have heard of. His name was Saul, later referred to as Paul. The same Paul who experienced God on the road to Damascus. The same Paul who wrote so many letters of the New Testament. A great missionary. Stephen couldn’t tell the future or know where those men’s paths would take them after his murder, but he did know how big God is, that God could spare them, and that He could save them. And in Stephen’s love for Christ, his final words were compassion for his own murderers, a prayer that affected Paul and I imagine many others, and so many people coming to faith in Christ as a result.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Are you known for your love of Christ? What about your compassion for those around you, even those who may be considered enemies?
• Will your legacy be passion for Christ and compassion for those around you? If not, what steps can you begin taking today that will build into a legacy like that?

Family Application: Acts 7

By: Nichole McCardle

This week, we are continuing our reading from the book of Acts. In chapter 7, we hear about one of Jesus’ apostles, Stephen. Stephen boldly preached to people about Jesus and the works of God. Some of the Jewish people did not like this because they did not want people to become followers of Jesus. They falsely accused Stephen of speaking against God. Stephen did not let this stop him. In fact, he then gave the longest speech in the book of Acts! Stephen had faith in God and the Holy Spirit, and he spoke out against those who were turning away from Jesus. He even asked God to forgive those who were hurting him. Jesus has said many times that Christians will face hard times. Matthew 7:14 says that the path that leads to life is difficult. Becoming a Christian does not mean life automatically becomes easy, but it does mean that we have the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us through hard times. Just like Stephen asked God to forgive those who were hurting him, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, can help us do things that may seem impossible. God is always with us, in the easy times, and the hard times too.

• Are you facing something difficult that may seem impossible to overcome? Maybe you are having a hard time loving people who are unkind to you, or maybe you are nervous to tell a friend about Jesus. If so, remember that God is with you in difficult times, and ask Him to give you the strength and courage to face what seems impossible.
• Prayer: God, thank You for always being with me! With You, all things are possible! God, give me the boldness to stand up for Jesus in all situations. Amen.