You Never Know Who’s Watching

March 30

(Acts 7:57-8:1 NIV) ““At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, {58} dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. {59} While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." {60} Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. {8:1a} And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.””

(Luke 23:33-34 NIV) ““When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. {34} Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.””

(Luke 23:46 NIV) ““Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.””

Stephen looked into the eyes of the most powerful religious leaders in Israel and spoke the truth of God. It wasn’t just a slap upside the head -- it was blunt force trauma. He had to have known what would happen. Stiff necked people, with hardened hearts, who resist the Holy Spirit, will kill you. But speaking the truth in love is one of the ways we let our lights shine. You never know who is watching and listening. On this day it was Saul. He saw the angelic face, and heard the voice of forgiveness and mercy. A seed of glory was planted in this future apostle of grace, and he could not uproot it. Stephen let his light shine and Saul couldn’t get the light to turn off. Later on that narrow road to Damascus, Saul met the genuine Light of the world. Then he understood Stephen’s light. Speak the truth in love. Let your light shine. You never know who’s listening and watching. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day