The Healing Jesus: An Advent Devotional to Encourage Anybody and EverybodySample

STEPHEN: THE ONE WHO SPOKE THE TRUTH

I am Stephen, a leader in the church of Jerusalem, which is rapidly spreading through Jerusalem. It all started at Pentecost, just as Jesus said it would. Great winds and these little glowing lights that looked like tongues of fire rested on each person's head that day. All I could think about was the tabernacle and how God came down to us with wind and fire, just as he was now. It was all finally clicking for us. This is what Jesus was trying to say. He kept referencing a new kingdom and a new temple. We couldn't figure out what or where that would be. Jesus predicted that there would be a new Jerusalem, but how? Where? And then we got it. There wouldn't be a new building, city, or land. Each individual is a temple, and the Spirit of God is inside us.

We were free to proclaim this great news! That moment empowered each disciple to tell stories of God's power in different languages they had never spoken. We took this message to the whole world; even language would not be a barrier. The news that Jesus was the Messiah was spreading like wildfire. But not everyone is excited about it.

The Pharisees and rulers accused us of speaking against and threatening the physical temple. They are furious because their method of control, the Law of Moses, is being threatened. They don't even want to listen, even though we could go through the entire Torah and explain how Jesus is the fulfillment of it all. They are blind and immovable.

How can I make them see that beginning with Abraham, every messenger time God sent was rejected? Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and now the disciples. Those stubborn people! They can't name one single prophet that their ancestors didn't persecute. They don't want to hear what we say, yet I know Jesus loves them. He still pursues them and wants them to open their eyes to the truth.

We must boldly tell the truth, even if they don't want to hear it. I won't hold it against the rulers if they hate me. They don't even know what they are doing. These Pharisees are so lost. Give me boldness to preach your gospel, Lord! I put my life in your hands.

Jesus is healing when persecution comes.

Questions for Talk it Over:

1. What did Steven say to defend Jesus to the rulers and Pharisees?

2. What persecution is most painful for you to hear about?

3. How can you bring Jesus to an area of persecution?