TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Elder Chris Beltran

Today, does our religious system mimic the Jewish religion at the time of the Pharisees, full of rituals, traditions, and practices but devoid of true devotion and conviction, resulting in unchanged lives?

God demonstrated His love for us by sending His son, Jesus. The people responded by crucifying Him on the cross. Stephen was saying, “you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it. “(v. 53). Their resistance to the truth turned these religious leaders into a mindless mob and dragged Stephen outside the city and stoned him to death. 

The stoning of Stephen was illegal because there was no due process and approval from the Roman government. No charges were ever proven to be true. Here, the religious leaders violated the 6th of the ten commandments, “You shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13). However, amid certain death, Stephen prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). Echoing Jesus’ words on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Stephen was still full of the Spirit and wisdom even during death, while those people, full of rituals, traditions, and practices, were stoning him to death.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, in a world that often values rituals and traditions over true devotion and obedience, we pray for a transformation in our hearts and religious systems. Help us to embrace a genuine relationship with You, rooted in love and obedience rather than empty practices. As we face opposition and persecution, grant us the strength and wisdom to respond with forgiveness and grace, just as Stephen did. Fill us with Your Spirit so that our lives may reflect Your love and truth even in the midst of trials. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.