Stephen's Courage vs. Stones

At church we have been studying people of courage in the Bible. I was thinking about it when I thought of a few people who I think demonstrate tremendous courage. One of them is Stephen in the book of Acts. He was chosen to help overlook the daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1) and was described as "a man full of God's grace and power" (Acts 6:8). 

After being seized by the Sanhedrin and being accused of blasphemy Stephen spoke. He recounted a few points in Jewish history where they rejected God's prophets. Then he flat-out called his accusers "stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears" (Acts 7:51ff). He let them know that they, like there ancestors, persecuted and killed those who told them the truth about the Messiah and now that he actually came, they killed him too! 

So, true to form, they mob rushed him, dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death. 

Just before he died Stephen "fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them"" (Acts 7:60). 

I am amazed at Stephen's courage to speak the truth to a hostile crowd, knowing that they probably would kill him. What really hits me is that as he is dying, while being stoned, he asks God to not hold it against those stoning him! He did not shout out, "See! Just like I said, you're killing me too!" He told them they were stiff necked yet he knew they needed God's forgiveness and grace in Christ. He told the truth of Christ even though it cost him his life. That's courage. 

Father, help us to tell the truth in love even if we know we will be rejected. Praise be to you in us today!