Soul Snack 8/55 ... A Martyr's MInd
Surely a martyr's mind is not merely mortal. This martyr hurls grace, while his assailants hurl granite.
Cowering before the multitudes, defenceless to death, Stephen remains meek, yet weak he was not.
Relentlessly rock after rock crushed (devoid of mercy) upon his now hopelessly broken body. No refrain of vengeance, no venom of cursing, nor plea for relief would cross these arid lips.
This first Christian martyr simply spoke well.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60
This man full of grace, power and the miraculous had preached literally to his death. Persecution no impediment to his faithfulness. Ill will, no hindrance to his serving.
Yet before he dies God 'transports' him to heaven. As each rock brutally lands on this fractured frame, he knew, God knew! He saw God's intervention.
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:55-56
When we have given our all He will show us things no other can see. He is really equipping us to do what seems more than mortal.
When we can give no more God will open heaven to us.
Remember: "The impossible is available to those who rely on the eternal."