January 31, 2012 (Exodus 28-29; Acts 7)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you!” Acts 7:51 NLT
Observation: The religious leaders were stubborn people who thought they had it all figured out. They were so threatened by the gospel of Jesus Christ that their hearts turned heathen and deaf to the truth. Truth was right before them, but they could not see. Why? They resisted and refused to allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. They were motivated and moved into action by their own wisdom and understanding, rejecting God and killing the prophets, just like their ancestors did.
Application: If the lessons of history are not heeded, we are destined to repeat the same sins. We must learn to surrender ourselves to Christ and His will for our lives and heed the lessons of our forefathers. Many people today would not count Stephen as being a successful minister of the gospel. But the day Stephen left this earth he looked steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. For some reason I think when he looked at Jesus, he must have seen Him smile.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this wonderful day You’ve made! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provides and protects me daily. You are the awesome God of heaven and deserve to be praised and worshipped! I love You Lord. Help me not be a stubborn heathen with a heart that does not hear Your words of truth. I desire Your Holy Spirit to fill me, comfort me, and guide me in all things. In Jesus name, Amen!