Stephen, who stood out among the believers for the way God’s grace was at work in his life and for his exceptional endowment with divine power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose from some who belonged to the so-called Synagogue of Former Slaves. Members from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia entered into debate with Stephen. However, they couldn’t resist the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. Then they secretly enticed some people to claim, “We heard him insult Moses and God.” They stirred up the people, the elders, and the legal experts. They caught Stephen, dragged him away, and brought him before the Jerusalem Council. Before the council, they presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law. In fact, we heard him say that this man Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and alter the customary practices Moses gave us.” Everyone seated in the council stared at Stephen, and they saw that his face was radiant, just like an angel’s. (Acts 6:8-15, CEB)
Westboro Baptist Church.
Do you know that church? It is the one known for picketing LGBTQIA2S+ rallies and gatherings or anyone who goes against what the Bible says, or what we traditionally thought the Bible said.
That is what I thought of when I read this. Stephen if he was around today would be one who had Westboro Baptist coming up to him and calling him out. In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, where I serve as pastor, it would be named on Exposing the ELCA website.
Make a name for yourself as being one who goes against the mainstream when it is needed to go against. We are called to be in and not of this world, loving it to help show God’s grace, love, and mercy in everything we do.
Love like Jesus.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 