1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
The Apostle John was very close to Jesus. He is referred to as “John the Beloved.” We find him sitting very close to Jesus at the Last Supper. In fact, John himself wrote that he was actually leaning on Jesus that evening. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His Disciples, whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23) In this Passage, John is writing about himself.
Then, in John 20:2 we read, Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other Disciple, whom Jesus loved…...This is John once again writing of himself as John the Beloved. There are several other Passages of Scripture that speak of John being the Disciple whom Jesus loved.
The Holy Spirit inspired John the Beloved to write the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and the Book of Revelation. Needless to say, John was VERY close to Jesus and the Holy Spirit trusted him to write much of the New Testament.
There is no doubt that as Christians we are to be Christlike. Jesus is to be our example for living and how we operate in our daily lives. Jesus said, For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15)
In John’s writings, we find many references to how we are to walk; our lifestyle. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:6) Please remember that ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God (2 Timothy 3:16) and therefore is our manual and standard for living.
It’s obvious that Stephen took this very seriously. Yesterday, we drew a parallel between Jesus and Stephen. There are many similarities and today we will discuss the words they spoke as their lives came to an end. Here we find still another similarity that leads me to believe (although we do not know) that perhaps Stephen was present at Golgotha on Crucifixion Day.
Like Jesus, Stephen was arrested for upholding the Truth of the Gospel and calling out the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Sanhedrin for what they were: hypocrites, serpents, and a brood of vipers! (Matthew 23 and Acts 7:51-53)
Filled with anger, the guards nailed Jesus to the Cross at Calvary and raised him up to be Crucified. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, into Your Hands I commit My Spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46)
The comparison to Stephen’s words is quite remarkable! And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)
The Holy Spirit brought to Stephen’s remembrance the Words of Jesus. He spoke those same words. What would you say if you were in that same position? Lord, I pray I am never in that position, but if I should be, please cause me to remember Your Words. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)
Be ready my friends. It won’t be long before God…...….turns the tide
I’m ready, Doreen
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