Psalm 119:121-128; Acts 7

Psalm 119:121-128
Just so we don't lose our way, I want to remind you that throughout Psalm 119, we are looking at the blessings or advantages that come from God's Word.

In these verses we see that God's Word provides confidence for us and a defense against our enemies. It gives us understanding and discernment, v. 125. We may not feel pressure from any "enemies," but it's good to remember that the enemies of Christianity are many. And they are becoming more arrogant (v. 122) and vocal. The psalmist finishes this section by saying he loves the truth more than gold, and he hates falsehood. God's Word shows us the truth.

Acts 7
And so we continue with Stephen's adventures. You will remember Acts 6 ends with Stephen before the Jewish high council where he was accused of blasphemy. Chapter 7 begins with the high priest asking Stephen whether or not the accusations were true. Stephen answers by repeating some of the highlights of Israel's history, the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David. The people repeatedly rejected the message God sent through these men and others. (vv. 1-50)

Starting in v. 51, Stephen boldly tells his Jewish accusers that they are stubborn and sinful just as their ancestors had been. He tells them they are resisting the Holy Spirit and that they are guilty of betraying and murdering the Messiah Himself. As you can imagine, the Jewish leaders were infuriated and threatening in their response. "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand." (v. 55) When he reported this vision, they flew into an even greater rage. "They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul." (vv. 57-58)

"As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' He fell to his knees, shouting, 'Lord, don't charge them with this sin!' And with that, he died." vv. 59-60

What an amazing scene! Surely only God Himself could give a person this kind of grace in the face of such deadly persecution.