Acts 7

“The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham ...’Leave your country and your people’ ” (2-3). Stephen’s sermon to angry religious leaders proclaimed that God was always calling people to himself in surprising ways. Jewish history showed Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and the prophets believing and following the God of the covenant, despite being misunderstood and even persecuted by their own people. Stephen challenged his hearers not to make the same mistake about the Righteous One, Jesus, now at God’s right hand (52,56).

“The God of glory” still reveals himself, and our crucified, humble King Jesus still threatens the prideful ways of the world. We are called to not be “stiff necked” (51) but to follow his leading.