Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Stephen’s Model of Mission

Bible Reading: Acts 7:54- 8:3

Key verse: "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7: 54)

DEVOTION

In today’s world, truth is frequently moderated to avoid giving offence.  Individuals who challenge popular opinions are often silenced rather than engaged.  Stephen encountered a similar response where his message was not examined but was deliberately suppressed.  The martyrdom of Stephen is one of the most profound moments in the life of the early Church.  It is not merely the account of a violent death, but a powerful revelation of Christian mission lived out in faith, courage, and grace. 
Stephen’s mission was rooted in his unwavering witness to Christ.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, he fearlessly and boldly proclaimed the truth.  His vision of “the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (v 55) reminds us that mission is accomplished not by human approval, but by a clear vision of God’s glory.  Stephen did not soften the truth to protect himself but he remained faithful, trusting God with the outcome.
What sets Stephen apart is his Christ-like response in suffering. As stones were hurled at him, Stephen echoed the words of Jesus: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Forgiveness became his sermon which transcended words and became a powerful living testimony of the gospel.
Acts 8: 1 – 3 shows that Stephen’s death led to persecution and scattering of the early church. This became the means through which the gospel spread beyond Jerusalem. Stephen’s apparent defeat became God’s instrument for mission expansion. Even Saul, who approved of Stephen’s death, would later become Paul, the greatest missionary of the Church.
As the Mar Thoma Sabha, now a scattered community across the globe, commemorates Stephen’s Model of Mission, we are reminded that Christian mission is not always marked by success or comfort, but by faithfulness, sacrifice, and forgiveness.  As a diaspora we are called to follow Christ, to witness with courage, to suffer with hope, and to forgive with grace, trusting that God will use us to fulfill His greater purpose in this world.

PRAYER
Gracious and merciful God, grant us the courage to remain faithful in times of opposition, the grace to forgive as Christ forgave, and the trust to believe that even suffering and scattering are used for the growth of Your Church. We ask these through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“God’s people are always a pilgrim people, called to live faithfully wherever they are.” N.T. Wright

Samji John
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Vancouver, Canada

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