Tuesday, April 10
The Hard Truth
Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.
Stephen had the Holy Spirit working with him and through him as he preached and taught about Jesus. His wisdom intimidated and stumped those who tried to argue with him, so that they became frustrated and angry. They decided to incite the authorities by crafting lies about him so they could put an end to his teaching.
Stephen spoke against the injustices he (and Jesus) saw in their day. He challenged people against their complacency and encouraged them to change. But it can be hard to hear words that are so true, they hurt. There is something about raw, unwavering truth that rattles us sometimes. It is easier to make up lies or believe the lies of others than to face the harsh truths that challenge us against our complacency and encourage us to change. Change can be hard. But coming to accept we are in need of change can be even harder. If there are things you are clinging to that are no longer serving you or others, accept the challenge to face the hard truths. Accept the motivation to change.
Narrative Lectionary Text: Acts 6:8-15
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.