Acts 7:60
“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.”
This is Stephen’s second cry and second prayer. He reserves the last bit of breath in his lungs to pray for those who are killing him. Stephen prays that this sin of murder not be accounted to them. The word literally means; do not attach this sin to these people. God hears and answers Stephen’s prayer. Although Stephen would not know this, Saul of Tarsus is standing there and would be transformed from this murderous act. Stephen’s posture is interesting. He is able to stay standing while being stoned to death, and then kneels before Jesus as he takes his final breath.
As Jesus stands up
Stephen knelt down
Stephen kneels in worship and prayer. There is a sense of Jesus suffering with Stephen as he is being persecuted for his faith in Jesus. Jesus suffered for the salvation of the world, we suffer with Jesus to spread the gospel to the world. Father God, thank You for Your Son, His life of suffering, His work through suffering, and the way He died in suffering so that I could live, and live life to the fullest. Help me to see suffering as a way to serve You, and be with You, in Your presence and in Your suffering so the whole world knows Your love and Your mercy, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACTION: Suffer submitted to the Son