Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 7:59, “And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”
I can still remember the images I had in my mind as a youngster when I used to read about someone being stoned to death in the bible. I pictured the victim standing somewhere with a wall behind them, and the executioners spread out in front of him with stones lying at their feet. I imagined that the one convicted would try to dodge the stones and put up his hands to try and deflect what he could from smashing into him, But eventually, and fairly quickly, one rock would land its mark and the victim would go down, instantly becoming fodder for the angry crowd and their stones of justice. At some point in my Christian walk, I learned that the process more likely took place in an area that included a pit in which the one doomed to suffer was placed. And by placed it means most likely tossed, with the hopes of injuring the prisoner so he would be easier to strike with the stones. Up above, and probably encircling the accused, would be those who would throw the stones. And they would include the ones who made the initial accusation of the crime for which the guilty was being punished. In fact, they were to cast the first stone. Sometimes there were many hurling the rocks, and sometimes the numbers were few. But from overhead came the crashing blows that would ultimately cave in their skull and crush their chest and break their arms and legs. And silence their cries.
You recall that it was Stephen’s claim that he could see Jesus standing in heaven that set off the angry mob. But as the stones were raining down on him, he beckons the risen Savior to receive him. Perhaps it was in between screams of agony, but I think not. I believe he looked up, past the angry scowls above him, and gazed at the One he had seen only moments before. I don’t know what he could feel, if anything, except what he felt inside. In his final seconds, he felt what each of us longs for this very moment, that peace of total acceptance and communion with Jesus. Fortunately, it doesn’t require being stoned to death to know it, but it does require dying, to yourself and your pride. But it’s worth it. And what a way to live, and die.
As we seek Him today, be crucified with Christ, and live, fully receiving His peace and fellowship.
Have a wonderful Tuesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
