Religious hatred and the cruel will of a crowd continue even to our day. These pictures are from 2007 when a girl was killed in Iraq for dating a Sunni boy. I could have illustrated today's reading with an artist illustration or Lego depiction of Stephen's death. But this far better communicates the true honor and makes more remarkable Stephen's desire that the crowd be forgiven. Forgive us, Lord, that the killing of innocents continues.
The death of Stephen and the introduction to Saul. Stephen, like Peter and John, convicts the Jews of Jesus' death. Why was it Stephen's time to die? Did his testimony and death plant a seed in the heart of Saul? It is impossible to read the mind of God, to know the whys of life and death. Stephen sees the glory of God and Jesus just before he dies. And, like Christ, he asks for the forgiveness of those who slay him.
I want to see the glory of God. I want to see Christ. Before I die.
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