“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.” (Acts 7:51–54, NIV 1984).
My Musings – These words were spoken by Stephen, one of the original deacons chosen by the Apostles. They were directed at the religious leaders shortly before they stoned him to death, becoming the church’s first martyr. Stephen’s words were somewhat reminiscent of Jesus’ words. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” (Matthew 23:13, NIV 1984).
These kinds of words were reserved for the religious leaders, who of all people, should have recognized and accepted that Jesus was the “Righteous One” they had studied about and had long expected. Instead, they continued to fight His disciples and deny His teachings. Attempting to turn the crowds against them too. Religious leaders rejecting Christ is one thing, but turning the crowds against Him is quite another. “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will perish.” (Proverbs 19:9, NIV 1984).
My Advice – We must “[open] the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces.” Many will reject it of their own accord. But we must still do what we can to “let those enter who are trying to” by being a “[faithful] witness.“
The Brew Is A Musing 