Things move tremendously quickly in the story of the fledgling Church through the end of Acts 7 and the start of Chapter 8. Stephen’s compelling history of the people of God and the failings of the current Jewish leadership to acknowledge the Lordship of God in Christ lead to his own murder, and the eruption of a great persecution against the Church. Jesus had warned that persecution would come because of following Him, and we have already read recently of the disciples rejoicing about being deemed worthy of suffering “for the name”. Personally I wonder if persecution was inevitable, whether the authorities were merely waiting for an excuse, or whether Stephen’s blasphemous speech brought it about. I wonder if Stephen knew what he was doing when he saw Christ in heaven. Did the disciples welcome the persecution as a sign of the imminent return of Jesus?
Do we see it as a privilege to suffer? I’m not sure I do. Do we see suffering as an aspect of the Christian life to rejoice in? I’m not sure I do.
Clearly, to align ourselves with Jesus invites the potential for suffering, as well as life, hope and a future. The evident confidence and conviction of the early followers of Jesus in the truth of their cause is something we would all benefit from. How do we gain it? As far removed historically as we are from these events it can be difficult. Cultivate relationship with God. Prayer is a conversation. Scripture is there for us to dialogue with, so as to gain an insight in to the character of our God, and the character and actions desired of us. Build fellowship and community with other believers. Disagree well. Ask for wisdom to see and know God in the everyday, as well as experiencing His love and grace in the miraculous. Most of all, have faith and hope. We have a tendency to see both of these as tentative, and head-knowledge-based. Rather these are decisions of the heart. Choose to trust. Choose to hope. Whatever might come to us, whether we think it is good or bad, it is this hope that will point us towards God, who ultimately is the only sustainer.