Lay Ministry at its Finest

Acts 7:59-60 ESV
“And as they were And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Steven was of exemplary character. He had a great witness and he loved the Lord with every fiber of his being. He was taking care of what most would call the menial part of ministry, or lay ministry, taking care of food distribution, taking care of widows and orphans, the elderly and those in need, but that is exactly where he shined.

It was because of jealousy that Steven was exploited and turned over to the Jews. Imagine, jealousy over being great at caring, being great at telling those in need about Jesus Christ. Steven was taken before the Jewish council, Steven gave an accurate and compelling history lesson leading right up to Jesus.

When Stephen accused the Jews of crucifying Jesus the Christ, they became indignant and began to scream at Steven. As Steven looked up to heaven and said out loud that he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. To this the Jews put their hands over their ears and screamed at Steven and grabbed him and threw him out of the city.

Steven knew what was next. As they stoned Steven, he looked up to heaven and asked that Jesus would not hold his executioners accountable for their crimes and their sins. That kind of boldness, integrity and forgiveness is rare. Steven is a great example for lay ministry, a ministry that is slowly faiding away because people are too busy to get involved.

Prayer:
Lord, never let me be too busy to do the small things. Never let me turn a blind eye to those in need.