Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

St. Stephen's day
Acts 7:51-8:3
Vs 59 - While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 
The church observes January 8th as a day to remember the first Christian martyr in the early church, Stephen. Stephen was a Hellenistic Jew (a foreign-born Jew who spoke Greek) who lived in Jerusalem and became a Christian. We see two aspects in his character that will guide us in our walk with Christ and our witness in this world.

1. Willing to serve
In Acts 6, we see that when there was a dispute between the Hellenist and Hebrew Christians regarding the distribution of food to widows. This problem had the potential to break the early church into warring groups and spoil the witness of the church. But in such a situation, we see the whole community addressing this issue under the leadership of the Twelve to select capable men to serve in the distribution. That’s where we see Stephen, a man filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit and of good standing, being chosen for this task. He was capable to be a leader and preacher. At the same time, when he was called to do a task at the time of a great crisis, he did not think lightly of it. He approached the task of serving at the tables with utmost reverence because he knew that it  was a God-given ministry for him as per the need of the Church. His ministry not only solved a major crisis and kept up the ministry of the church but also brought many people including priests to the faith (Acts 6:7). No task is insignificant when we are called for it by God.

2. Glorifying God in life and death
We see how Stephen reflected God’s glory even in his own suffering. When he was called to trial, his accusers saw his face radiant like the face of an angel. When given an opportunity, he chose to boldly witness for Christ in the face of opposition. In his dying moments, his faith is rewarded when he sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And even as he submits his spirit into God’s hands, he prays for the forgiveness of the very people who were stoning him. It is always an inspiration and a challenge when people of God reflect godly perseverance under trials, and love at times of suffering. That is a great witness to their faith and reflects the glory of God in their life.

Stephen’s willingness to serve in whatever capacity God called him to, his perseverance and bold witness in times of tribulations has been an example that outlasted his life and has served as an inspiration to people called to serve God. Today God assigns us with tasks in our family, church and society. No assignment is insignificant when it is given to us by God. Let us remember to do it with utmost diligence and spend our lives reflecting godly love and perseverance.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me to discern the needs and tasks that I see in my family, church and society as opportunities to serve you, Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
What is life, if it is not to love; what is love if it is not for service; what is service if it is not for Christ. – Mother Teresa

Rev. Thomas John, Carmel MTC Boston


Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum