WEDNESDAY February 22, 2023
Resisting Reason
Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ ”
Acts 7:1-3
The Jews had lied about Stephen and set up false witnesses against him. He was taken before the Sanhedrin––a council of 71 men. The high priest posed a question to Stephen, “Are these things true? Are you a liar and a blasphemer?” Imagine, these religious leaders were the same ones who were responsible for Jesus’ death. These elites had the power to make a strict judgment against Stephen.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Stephen spoke to the council with great boldness. He respectfully began a lengthy sermon reciting Israel’s history. As a man of the Word of God, a man of prayer, and with wisdom and knowledge, he masterfully started his sermon by quoting Scriptures from the Pentateuch––the first five books of the Bible––Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Stephen hoped to give them understanding of the Scriptures, but they would continue to resist his reasoning. The Jewish elders would remain hard-hearted and refuse to accept the testimony of Stephen. Their pride and unbelief would stop them from confessing Christ. They would never bend their knees to acknowledge that Jesus was the Christ. Resisting the conviction of the Holy Spirit, Stephen would boldly rebuked them.
Are you a person who continues to resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit? I believe the Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will never force Himself into your life, but consider the outcome of such a rebellious stance. Is this really what you desire?
…those who chose to reject God during their lifetime on earth will be separated from him for eternity. This is not God’s desire, but man’s own choice. God holds every man accountable for his rejection of Christ.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
