AT WHAT COST

When we are told to go in obedience to the Father no matter the cost, many nowadays think to look into their pocket book. This was not the case in the first few centuries after Jesus walked the earth. For many the cost was their lives as such was the case for Stephen.

Stephen the Faithful Servant
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. Acts 6:1-5

The Greek speaking Jews did not see their widowed women being taken care of so seven were appointed. Among them was young Stephen who had a servant’s heart and was willing to serve others so the Apostles could continue in their mission. You could say these were the first Deacons as their charge was to care for the flocks material needs. Specifically, they were to help those who could not help themselves. Stephen was chosen because of his devotion and faith. The Holy Spirit opened up his heart to the gift of servanthood. His obedience to the specified task was well known and he became the leader of the group of seven.

Stephen the Bold
What the community of believers was doing in acts of faith and kindness made many of the hierarchy in the Sanhedrin very upset. Stephen was following his heart and continued despite the warnings. It came to pass that Stephen found himself defending his actions. The Bold Evangelist spared no words and spoke from the heart with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Stephen was so full of grace that many were speaking of Stephen. This made some Jews dispute with Stephen probably due to jealousy. They were unsuccessful in their attempts so they conspired against him.

During his defense, Stephen left no stone unturned and spoke the Torah and the history as if he lived through it. This upset the leaders even more. Especially when he said:
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”
Acts 7:51-53

Stephen the Obedient Martyr
The priests were so enraged they called for his stoning. He was dragged outside the city, surrounded, and put to death by stoning. Right before they began the throwing, Stephen saw Jesus. Right before he died, Stephen asked for forgiveness of their sins.

Stephen could have done many things differently to save his own skin but he had his eyes on the prize of eternal life. In obedience, Stephen spoke truth to a group of leaders who were teaching God with a man’s perspective instead of God’s. He talked to them about how all things from the past led to Jesus. He reminded them that God does not like the sacrifices and would rather they worship from the heart. He spoke of the body being the temple not needing the building which requires upkeep by material means which can cause greed and dependence on the world. The final straw was the accusation of murdering the prophets. Stephen died in obedience to the truth.

What Are You Willing To Pay
Are you willing to pay the ultimate price because of the truth of Scripture? The cost of eternal life with God does not mean gaining riches here on earth which are perishable and corruptible. The cost is giving up all things which bring temporary joy and suffering for the joy of the Lord which gives us strength to make it through the day. This does not mean we need to give up our full livelihood unless God requires as such, but it does mean we must no longer rely on the world. We rely on God to provide. If that means that God gives us certain talents to use to provide for the family then that is what we do but the underlying cause is and will always be for His Glory.
 
In the Father’s Loving Embrace,
Rob, Servant of God