Acts 7:1-19 | You Are Part of a Bigger StorySample

Stephen’s speech is admittedly long. This week we only looked at the first part of it. He’s not done, and next week we’ll see him develop where he’s going even more. But even now, there’s things he starts to hint at that he’ll later play out more fully.

Abraham was once a pagan. He came from the land of Israel’s classic enemy – the Babylonians (or Chaldeans). Yet God called him, used him, and made him part of his greater salvation story. Israel finds their identity in him.

Where Stephen is starting to lead the Sanhedrin is into God’s greater story. A story greater than Israel alone, Moses alone, and the temple alone. It’s the story of God’s work to rescue and redeem a fallen world. Israel would play a key role in that. But it was never for them alone. God wants to save Gentiles too. Moses and the temple are not the end. They’re means to an end of God rescuing the world. And Jesus will rise to the top as the key player. Acts will play this out.

Remember you are part of God’s bigger story. So are the people you witness to. Identify with them, help them identify with God, and show how sin is going outside the storyline. Show how this story is one of struggle, acts of faith, and God providing. Like Stephen did. It may lead to persecution, but even if it does, take it as a sign of God’s favor that you have been counted worthy, like the apostles, to suffer for his name.

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