God’s Mission, Our Response

 Job 1-2; Acts 6-7 

“I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come. I will send you back to Egypt…You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

Acts 7:34, 51

Stephen’s story of Israel’s history was a reminder that God’s eyes were on his people to save and deliver them repeatedly through the generations. Israel’s capacity to experience freedom was directly tied to their cooperation with God’s saving actions. The coming of Jesus was in a long line of God’s saving, redemptive activity. 

Would Israel stiffen their necks, harden their hearts, and again resist God’s invitation for salvation by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Stephen died for this pointed sermon.

Are we willing to call our people to repentance for their stubborn, hardened hearts, even as we remind them of God’s saving activity and mercy to us through our history?

This cycle of rebellion, redemption, and deliverance continues through the generations as God continually reaches out to humanity in Christ.

“Lord Jesus, you are the saving One. Fill me with your Spirit today, with a word in season as I live on mission with you, for your glory.”