Today’s reading continues Stephen’s trail before the Sanhedrin.
They have accused him of blasphemy against Moses and God. Stephen’s response is
to remind the Sanhedrin of the Israelites' history. It is not a pretty picture,
again and again the religious leaders rejected God by rejecting those He sent.
What is worse is that Moses and each prophet were sent to help these people and
they rejected them, even killed many of them. Stephen has a courage that few people
possess, he actually tells these leaders that have enormous power they are
murderers!
I can’t help but wonder what the people listening to Stephen were
thinking. Did some nod their heads and say to themselves “yes, I have sinned, I
rejected God?” Why did the members of the Sanhedrin allow him to give such a
long speech? He must have been a captivating story-teller.
How closely he followed in Jesus’ footsteps! I do not sense that
Stephen was afraid of those persecuting him or the consequences of what would
surely happen for being so bold. He had
the courage to tell it like it was and remind those listening that history was
repeating itself, AGAIN! These people, God’s Chosen People, were once again
rejecting God’s help by rejecting the Anointed One, Jesus.
How do you relate to Stephen’s audience? Are you outraged by his
boldness in reminding us of our sinful nature? Or are you nodding your head and
saying “yes, I am a sinner, I have rejected God’s help in this instance or that
situation?” Or are you more like Stephen, boldly proclaiming the Good News?
I'd like to think I am Stephen, but I know I am not. Perhaps I am when in the pulpit, but when I am away from the protection of my "role" I am a head nodder. I think lots of Episcopalians are head nodders. Why? I think because we are afraid, afraid of standing out, afraid of offending others. Fear. Fear turns us away from God.
ReplyDeleteLord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner!