Continuity
Day 491, Monday, Dec. 15
Acts 7:1-16
Stephen is a role model of the enthusiasm and courage of the earliest Christians. Almost immediately after being chosen as one of the people responsible for food distribution we see him boldly proclaiming the gospel and being punished for it.
When confronted with the charge of preaching the gospel, he doesn’t deny it. Instead, he takes the opportunity to spread the message.
Even though his name suggests he is from the more Hellenized (Greek-influenced) branch of Judaism, his defense is firmly grounded in the historic faith of Israel.
He begins his defense with the story of Abraham. “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran. ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’”
Much of Acts, and the following letters, tells the story of the transition of the faith from being a sect of Judaism to being a predominantly gentile movement. It’s easy to focus on the conflict and the divisions, but it’s more important to keep an eye on the continutity.
While the transition is sometimes tense and messy, two truths are consistently championed: The Christian faith is grounded in the Jewish tradition and scriptures, and it must be expanded to the broader world.
Salvation through Jesus is a continuation of the work God began with his promise to Abraham.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Monday meditation

Psalms 43:1-5
Vindicate me, my God, and plead my cause against an unfaithful nation. Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Prayer focus
Lord, fulfill in us your promise to Abraham to make a great nation to be your witness on earth.