WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Thank God that he is the same yesterday, today and for ever.

Yes, you!
Stephen’s audience was made up of Israel’s religious leaders. They didn’t need him to give them a history lesson. They knew very well how God had worked in the past, as well as how many times his people had been unfaithful and had refused to listen to his prophets.

Until verse 50 they were probably right there with Stephen, agreeing with every word. Then suddenly Stephen is telling them that they are just like those who had rejected the prophets in the past.

Learning lessons
It’s easy to agree with God’s Word – when we read it or hear it preached – as long as it seems to be talking about someone else. We have no problem condemning other people for doing what they did. Sometimes, when listening to a sermon, I catch myself thinking how good it is that so-and-so is there to hear it because they really need to change.

Often we are just like these Jewish leaders. They knew how their ancestors had erred, yet they failed to recognise the same behaviours in themselves. We too learn the lessons of history as they apply to historical figures and the lessons of Scripture as they apply to those around us. But all too often we don’t apply these lessons first to our own hearts and lives.

Respond: ‘Lord God, make me slow to judge others and quick to recognise my own failings and to repent.’

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-07-11