Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, April 18, 2021
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Words can be more powerful than weapons. Stephen’s words cost his life but continue to have lasting effects today.
Everyone called into God’s service brings different gifts. In the early church, gifts were discovered as needs arose. At the time of Stephen, it was discovered that the widows were being neglected. It was brought to their attention by outsiders (which probably didn’t feel too good). But they took on the challenge and appointed seven men from among them to attend to the needs of the widows. The rest continued in their prayer and service of the word.
The seven included Stephen, and they were commissioned, had hands laid upon them, and sent to do God’s work. In addition to serving widows, Stephen also brought the gift of speech. He performed miracles and signs, and he also debated and argued with leaders in the synagogue.
As with any person with sharp words and courage to stand up for one’s unorthodox convictions, Stephen’s words angered many. They set out to silence him, accusing him of blasphemy. It didn’t take long for the accusations to turn the people against him, and he was soon after stoned for his words.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” It’s an old saying but couldn’t be further from the truth. Words have more power even than weapons sometimes. Words of peace in an environment of war can be deadly. Words of acceptance in a world of intolerance can incite riots. Words of justice in a community of injustice can imprison the innocent and free the guilty.
Jesus wasn’t afraid to speak his truth, even though it cost him his life. Stephen had courage to speak Jesus’ truth, and it also cost him his life. But the positive effects of those words spoken in courage and conviction have changed hearts and turned tides for centuries. Jesus’ words never stale, and continue to bring peace, justice, and hope to a weary and unjust world.
![1 Kings 17:1-16 [17-24], God’s Care for the Widow](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56b39b61ab48de92d991a40a/bf37035e-33d5-439f-a0d6-a68b02d0f1bc/24-11-03.jpg)
