When the Rocks Rain Down

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 1/31/11 – Exodus 28-29; Acts 7 – “When the Rocks Rain Down”

S - Acts 7:59-60 – “As the rocks rained down, Stephen prayed, "Master Jesus, take my life." Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear, "Master, don't blame them for this sin" — his last words. Then he died.” [Message Bible]

O – Steven was about to be put to death for his faith in Christ and he boldly recites the miracles of God; the history of God’s love, power, protection and justice over the years. His prayer resembles the dying prayer of the Lord Jesus, that of amazing forgiveness. Clearly Stephen was not earth-focused. He was heaven-focused, consumed with eternity and his purpose for being on this earth, right down to the last moments.

A – Stephen’s sustaining grace in the face of death was derived from a view of the Lord Jesus and a passionate commitment to Him, no matter what. If we can look to Him as Lord, Savior, see Him exalted to deliver us and truly commit ourselves to Him, we will find grace in whatever afflictions. I cannot imagine the horror that must come when faced with the persecution that Stephen faced. Stephen was not only sustained, but victorious. When the rocks rained down on him as his enemies stoned him to death, he knelt in honor of the Lord, his hope and deliverer.

P – Lord, take us into an even deeper consecration and commitment to You and Your purposes for our lives. Teach us to see past this temporary earthly life to our eternal home with You. Stephen exemplifies the ultimate choice to forgive. Teach us forgiveness no matter what. Oh Lord, so much to learn… here we are… students of Your grace.