The Cry of Grace

As we continue in our study through the story of Acts we come to the longest discourse in the book, Stephen's speech. In Acts 6:8 through 7:60, we see the instigation leading to Stephen being seized, Stephen's sermon, and the stoning of Stephen. Stephen gives a condensed history of the Old Testament showing how the people of Israel have continually rejected God's messengers. The climactic rejection is the betrayal and murder of Jesus of Nazareth, the Righteous One. Like Jesus, Stephen cries out to God as he is being killed, "Lord, do not hold this sin agains them" (Acts 7:60). Stephen demonstrates the forgiveness of Jesus and serves as an illustration of someone who understands that his sins have been forgiven by grace. The more we see, believe, understand, and are captured by God's forgiving grace, our hearts become more aligned with Stephen, and ultimately, with Jesus. The motivational power to offer forgiveness is not found in ourselves, but in response to the forgiveness that Jesus has shown us. We pray God would give us grace to know this forgiveness more deeply, see Jesus more clearly, and be captured by this glory so that the heart of Jesus would radiate and shine through us.