Aiding and Abetting

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”  At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.  Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”  (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit, believing in God and knowing full well where to turn in times of need.  He saw with clear vision Jesus standing at the right hand of God, proving the fulfilled promise of ascension into Heaven.  Stephen exclaimed the great news in hopes that others may feel the same and believe in our Savior. 

Quite the opposite occurred.  Stephen received a punishment unimaginable.  First, the crowd removed Stephen from the city limits.  If only they stopped at that, simply banning Stephen from their city for such gibberish they believed he spoke.  No, they continued the punishment, one stone at a time.  Stephen did not run, hide or fight back.  Stephen took the punishment on behalf of faith.  He stood firm on belief and knew that each stone thrown and the pain felt would all be worth it when he met our Savior face to face. 

Stephen even went as far as to show ultimate forgiveness, holding no grudge against those hurting him.  His words reflect our Savior’s Words.  He asked God to not hold this sin against them.  Stephen clung to faith, trust and hope in our Savior.  He knew the men throwing the stones failed to see the goodness of our Savior.  They remained empty, falling victim to peer pressure and approval of man.

But, now let’s look at another character mentioned in the passage: Saul.  He cast not one stone.  Innocent in this gruesome murder of a believer?  I think not.  As I read that one sentence, I judge Saul guilty for aiding and abetting a crime.  He stood watch over the crowd’s coats without lifting a finger to help Stephen.  Why?  At this point Saul, later Paul, had no backbone.  He remained empty, failing to believe or receive the gift presented from Heaven.  Saul stood by to watch the murder without saying a word.  Though no stone touched his hand, guilty of murder would be my verdict.

This conclusion labels me a hypocrite!  Countless times I stand in a group of individuals lacking a backbone.  Even as a firm believer and filled with love for my Savior, the verdict would find me guilty for aiding and abetting in the destruction of others.  Gossip occurs and I listen without uttering a word to stop such action.  Bashing of another I hear but fail to stop or pull out positive features of the person being bashed.  I stand by watching the children argue without teaching healthy confrontation for that would take too much energy.  The day took all I had to make it through, I come home to a husband wanting to talk and receive a warm greeting; I give the opposite or display the silent treatment.

Example after example appears along our journey when we stand without a backbone.  Seeking approval, falling victim to peer pressure, robs our spirit of strength.  The individuals in the story were blind and have no faith in our Savior.  We can understand why they lacked a backbone.  Not an excuse, but it brings understanding.  We as Christians have no excuse.  The Holy Spirit is active, ready for use, each day and with each situation faced.  We must stand firm on Truth, holding strong in Faith and Trusting our Savior to provide the backbone needed to shine brightly for Him. 

How?  By refusing to seek approval of man and going against the grain.  If the words cannot move from spirit to mouth, just walk away.  Remove yourself from the situation.  You may find that the simple gesture of not partaking will set an example to others.  Let us resemble Stephen and stand firm, full of the Holy Spirit, loving others despite human nature and speaking Truth during the toughest of times.  And always. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.