The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 7:54-60, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him.
55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;
56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse.
58 When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
60 Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them!’ Having said this, he fell asleep.”

Have you ever said something to someone that just made them mad? It wasn’t gossip. It wasn’t said in anger, but it was forceful; and above all, it was the truth! That’s exactly what occurred with Stephen in these verses of the seventh chapter of Acts. Stephen told the truth. It was a clear reiteration of a portion of Israel’s history. But, it just didn’t set well with the hearers.

It’s truly difficult to say things that you know beforehand will irritate those who hear them. Sermons are often like that. So, if your pastor shares Scripture that causes you to get angry, just stop for a few moments and evaluate what he said. It was biblical, wasn’t it? It fit the situation, didn’t it? Then, just praise the LORD that Truth from the Word had come to the ears of needy persons.

The verses above speak for themselves. Stephen spoke the truth; those who heard him didn’t like what he said. But his cry to the LORD should always be our cry; namely, “LORD, do not hold this sin against them!” It was at that moment that Stephen went into the presence of the LORD. What a way to go!! God bless you, dear reader! May the lessons of the Word strengthen you in the ways of the LORD!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom