An Unexpected Outcome

 Exodus 30-32; Acts 8 

“…On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.”

Acts 8:1

Stephen’s ‘sermon’ in front of the Sanhedrin was a summary of God’s call throughout Israel’s history. His presentation became personal when he concluded these Jewish leaders were “stiff-necked people” who “always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51). This prophecy was met with anger, costing Stephen his life as well as the arrest of many other Christ-followers. Stephen’s sermon lit the fuse which scattered the Jerusalem Church throughout Judea and Samaria. The new believers in Samaria probably found themselves hosting Jewish refugees who would have never previously considered staying in the home of a Samaritan. The mission of the Church advanced in unexpected ways because a sermon went in an unexpected direction. We never know how God will use our words, our persecution, or even our response to challenges in advancing his kingdom mission.

“Lord Jesus, I choose to see your hand at work in the everyday and unexpected work of your Spirit, for your glory.”