"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death." -- Acts 7:59-8:1

This passage wraps up the account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.  While his story is both tragic and inspiring, and we can learn what it means to be steadfast to the end and to speak truth in the face of danger,  we learn something from the other character as well... Saul.  There he was, watching the whole thing, giving his approval.  I can see him nodding his head thinking, "I hope the other Christians are getting this..."  He has no idea what's around the corner for his own life.

So here's the takeaway:  be bold like Stephen and courageous in the face of oppression and danger.  Love people despite them having no love for you.  And from the position of Saul... he would later become Paul and write the majority of the New Testament.  He would also one day die for his faith.  If you'd have told him that while they were stoning Stephen, he would have laughed and probably had you stoned too.    He had no idea what God was going to do with him-- just as you and I have no idea what God is going to do with us.  Just don't be surprised if your life changes dramatically for being a faithful follower.

Readings:  1 Kings 8:1-66; Acts 7:51-8:13; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 17:1