Situational Worship

I love Acts 6 and 7 about Stephen who was "full of grace and power", Acts 6:8. He was among people doing God's work when those belonging to the synagogue rose up against him. The problem was, "they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking." Acts 6:10. The solution was to have men lie so they could bring him in front of the council and put him on trial.

If I put myself in Stephens shoes for a brief moment… I'm in a bit of rage! How could you put me on trial and rise people up against me. I'm showing love and compassion for your people and doing great wonders and signs!

Stephen had a different perspective as his heart was now full of grace and power for the men of the synagogue. "And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel." Acts 6:15.

Stephen, knows that some of his buddies were on trial a few times before, and the council is becoming fed up with what these followers of Jesus are doing. He knows that his life is in danger for what they believe was blasphemy against Moses and God. Stephens stance was not to fight that accusations, but to help them realize the blessings and saving grace of Jesus of Nazareth. He starts to give the cliff notes of Joseph and how God used one man, in an unlikely situation, to bring redemption to their people. He recounts how Moses, who was chosen by God to bring their ancestors out of slavery. And even though Moses showed many signs and wonders from God, the people still rejected Moses and turned from God. The men of the council knew the stories and Old Testament very well, but Stephen wanted them to see the connection of how Jesus was sent by God for their redemption! The men of the council were enraged and took Stephen out and stoned him to death.

"As they were stoning Stephen, 'he called out, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he said this, he fell asleep." Acts 7:59-60

The reality is, people will be against you. Situations will rise up that wasn't apart of our plans and we won't know why they are happening. Like Stephen, we can still have a heart of grace and worship by the power of the Holy Spirit. Stephen didn't display situational worship, but worship even to his last breath when people were throwing stones to put him to death. These passages didn't talk about him singing worship, but he was living a life of worship through the power of the Holy Spirit by doing what God called him to do. He was being obedient and putting his heart of compassion into every situation; even the trials that were against him.

As people rise up against decision we make or actions we take for His Kingdom, we must ask the Holy Spirit, whom lives in us, for an abundance of grace and wisdom. He grants wisdom to those who asks for it. Have a worshipful heart in all situations for our Redeemer is for you.

I Heart - Oh You Bring

If you haven't seen The I Heart Revolution: We're All In This Together DVD, you should check it out. It's a social justice documentary about not only preaching the Good News, but being the Good News. Here is a clip of the DVD with the song "Oh You Bring".

-SDM