So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
Acts 6:2-6

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.
Acts 6:8-12

“However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: “ ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?’ “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”
— Acts 7:48-53

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 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.
— Acts 7:59-60

~~~~~

diakonos
By Jennifer Kane

Dedicated to serving the widows with care,
he moved among the forgotten, hands open,
heart steady in the rhythm of giving,
his love a living testimony of Christ’s command.

Infused with wisdom, fervent in prayer,
he sought no honor, no high seat,
but in each morsel shared and hand upheld,
the Spirit’s fire burned ever bright.

A steadfast witness, bold and true,
he spoke not for favor, nor for fear,
but with a voice unshaken, sure,
declaring the Christ who conquered the grave.

Kingdom-focused in all that he knew,
not swayed by whispers, nor earthly gain,
his sight fixed on heaven’s horizon,
where righteousness stands unshaken.

Overflowing with faith and grace,
he met the doubter with love,
the broken with healing,
and the lost with the truth that saves.

Never afraid to speak in God’s place,
he bore the Word like a torch,
even as shadows gathered,
even as threats grew loud.

Opposition rose, yet he stood tall,
with eyes lifted beyond the moment,
his courage a beacon, his peace unbroken,
his heart echoing Christ’s own.

Stone by stone, he gave Christ his all,
and as the world cast judgment upon him,
he beheld the heavens open wide—
and into the arms of glory, he soared.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Acts 6:2-6, Acts 6:8-12, Acts 7:48-53, Acts 7:59-60

When the apostles sought men to oversee the daily distribution of food, they didn’t just look for people with good management skills—they sought those “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Stephen was among them. Though he was “just a waiter,” his service to the Lord was evident in every aspect of his life. He didn’t just serve tables; he served with faith, power, and the Holy Spirit.

Stephen’s story reminds us that being filled with the Spirit isn’t about status or position. It’s about surrender. When we yield our hearts fully to God, the Spirit empowers us beyond our natural abilities. Stephen’s faithfulness in small tasks prepared him for a greater mission—one that would ultimately cost him his life but bring glory to God.

Stephen didn’t shy away from proclaiming the truth. Even when opposition arose, he stood firm. The religious leaders couldn’t argue against his wisdom “because the Spirit by whom he was speaking” (Acts 6:10) gave him supernatural boldness.

When the time came, Stephen did not soften his message to avoid conflict. Instead, he declared that the religious leaders had resisted the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had (Acts 7:51). His words cut to the heart, but he spoke them not with arrogance, but with love and truth.

The Holy Spirit emboldens us to speak truth even when the world resists it. Like Stephen, we are called to stand firm, not by our own strength, but by the power of the Spirit within us.

As Stephen was being stoned, he responded not with fear or anger but with Christ-like love:
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60).

Even in death, Stephen mirrored Jesus. He saw the heavens open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56), a sign that Christ Himself was ready to receive His faithful servant.

When we face trials for our faith, we may not experience physical persecution, but we will face resistance. Whether it’s rejection, mockery, or hardship, we can respond like Stephen—with unwavering faith and love. The Spirit enables us to forgive, to remain steadfast, and to trust that Jesus stands with us.

Serve faithfully – No task is too small in God’s kingdom. Like Stephen, be faithful in every role you are given.
Speak boldly – Rely on the Spirit to give you words of truth, even in the face of opposition.
Stand firm – When trials come, fix your eyes on Jesus, knowing He is with you.
Love deeply – Respond to opposition with forgiveness and Christ-like love.

~~~~~

Lord God, please fill me with Your Spirit as You filled Stephen. Give me boldness to stand firm on Your truth, courage to proclaim Your name, and a heart that loves even in the face of opposition. Help me serve You faithfully in all that I do, knowing that no act of service is insignificant in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

March 28 2025