All Saints
And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60
Although conflict and pain are often not pretty, they may be necessary to gain your brother. Stephen engaged in such conflict to gain his Jewish brethren. To show them their sins and their need for a Savior, Stephen presented to his audience the history of their people, Israel. If you recall the history, Israel showed unfaithfulness to God time and time again, yet God in His mercy remained faithful to them. Though God reached out to them with His prophets, the people wouldn’t listen and would sometimes even hurt or murder the prophets. Stephen, like his martyred forefathers, presented the truth in love. Israel was sinning once again, and they needed to repent and be saved.
Of course, Stephen wanted to preach Jesus’ love to them, but these were likely the same men who murdered Jesus. Like the ancestors who murdered the prophets, these people murdered Jesus. If only they would repent and hear that Jesus’ death, which they caused, meant that they were saved eternally. But alas, they did not. Yet even though they didn’t listen, and even worse, murdered Stephen, Stephen’s message was still true. He trusted in His God and now rests in sleep, waiting to be raised at the last day. Jesus delivered Stephen even during this tragedy. No matter what pain you go through in witnessing to others and confronting others about sin, know that Jesus is always right no matter how angry others get. He has saved you, and by God’s grace, He may reach your friends, saving them as well.
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confest,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Lutheran Hymnal 463:1