Daily Readings - Tue Dec 26 2023
Acts
8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Matthew
17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;18And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.19But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.21And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Sermon
The sermon begins with a reflection on the readings from Acts and Matthew, highlighting the themes of persecution and faith.
In the first reading, Stephen, a deacon, faces opposition for his miracles and preaching. Despite his wisdom, he is stoned to death, remaining faithful and seeing Jesus in his final moments. This event marks the start of Christian persecution and showcases Stephen's unwavering faith.
The Gospel reading from Matthew has Jesus preparing His disciples for future challenges, warning them of persecution and betrayal. He assures them that the Holy Spirit will guide their words during trials, emphasizing perseverance as key to salvation.
Both readings connect through the theme of enduring persecution with faith. Stephen's martyrdom exemplifies this, while Jesus' words prepare the disciples for similar trials. They highlight trust in God and the Holy Spirit's role in adversity.
In daily life, this teaches believers to stand firm in faith, trusting God's provision of strength and guidance. The moral lesson is one of faithfulness and trust, encouraging believers to remain steadfast, knowing God will provide the necessary endurance.
Thus, the sermon weaves together the historical context, the relational themes of persecution and faith, and applies these lessons to modern life, urging trust and perseverance in God.