Last Full Measure…

Acts 1:8 “…You will be witnesses to me…”

Can believers share the Gospel story in tough times? How can we sincerely express the story, especially when we are not facing a life-threatening situation?

The video clips depicted innocent people being kidnapped and many of them killed or wounded in the sudden and horrific attack. It was so intense that even their loved ones would have struggled to recognize them. Many believers started praying for the victims and their families.

“Because Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross, we don’t have to fear evil anymore.”

Romans 8:1-2

Over 2,000 years ago, a hyper-religious Pharisee was guilty of similar crimes. You know him as Saul, later known as the apostle, Paul. His thirst for Christian blood was relentless.

On one particular day he stood holding the cloaks of false witnesses against a new Christian convert, Stephen. Stephen was the first Christian martyr following the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Acts 6-7

Stephen was filled with wisdom and spiritual understanding by the Holy Spirit. His strong devotion to Jesus and his close relationship with the Spirit confirmed his faith, causing frustration for false preachers and Jewish leaders who could not outwit him. Their response to Stephen exposed their wicked and ungodly nature.

You know one thing that has never changed in this dark world is the fact that inciting people to high levels of emotion and drama without wisdom and righteousness has often led to violence and aggression of every kind.

Satan rages strong through the shrill rantings of hateful people. And sadly, one day he will pull the lever to the trap door. Then their sorrow and regret will be too late. That is why we must pray for them instead of hating them. Luke 6:35-37

So, let’s go back to where we began, just for a moment.

I caught a glimpse of a woman that the news outlet flashed on the screen. The family had provided a photo of her as a young college student. She had a bright, happy smile on her face. Then the videographer showed her terror filled eyes, as she begged for her life.

Compare the disposition of the mob in our story, to the composure and faith of Stephen. The Bible said this about him, Acts 6:8, 10, 15

“Stephen, full of faith and power… They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke…saw his face like it was the face of an angel…But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God… “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!

They stoned Stephen as he called out,

“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

But the people in our current story, for the most part, did not even have that assurance to hold on to. Can you imagine being lost, apart from Christ and facing such violence?

Stephen, in the custody of the violent mob, had the opportunity to do what he loved best by accurately recounting the story of the patriarchs and finally telling the story of Jesus in Acts 7.

The story of the Gospel was the last straw. This was the greatest offense to the false teachers. But nothing would have restrained Stephen. His love for the Savior who loved him first would not allow him to suppress God’s story.

So, Stephen died.

I know many believers were led to pray for the life of the young woman and the other victims in our story. That is what we should do. We should never just walk away from such a scene. Prayer is a measure of our devotion to Christ.

I could not imagine the level of fear in the hearts and minds of these people. But what I could imagine was the love of God. God was not responsible for this atrocity.

God hears and answers the prayers of believers. Many of us continued to pray for her safe return and for her salvation. You see, the young woman is an Israeli. Chances are she is not a born-again Christian, although that is not for anyone to judge but God alone. But, because in human terms, and as far as we know, this young lady is lost.

I am thrilled to share that I have successfully updated this blog since my initial writing. The young woman has a compelling story to tell. Upon spotting her photo and name in a news update, I learned of her safe return home, along with three other Israeli hostages. It’s a joyful moment as part of our prayers have been answered.

Now we will keep praying that this young woman will sense the drawing of the Spirit and be saved for eternity.

We know that true believers who walk faithfully with God cannot resist sharing the story. If this woman is redeemed, she will have quite a story to tell!

…I Love… to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His Love.¹