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Generational Faithfulness
November 14th, 2021
Acts 7:9-17
Stephen gives one last sermon before he dies. He knows what is about to happen. Perhaps a small part of him wonders if his words will change the outcome. More likely, he wanted to leave a final testament to God’s faithfulness so he would die knowing he pointed his executioners toward heaven.
Stephen chose to make his case by recounting the history of Israel. Stephen recounts the ways God had been faithful to His promises. As Stephen summarizes the story of Joseph being sold into slavery and his subsequent rise in Egypt, he highlights the acts of God throughout the story. It was in Egypt that the people of Israel came to be, as their numbers “had greatly increased.” God used even the jealous brothers of Joseph to bring about His will.
In times of difficulty, of persecution, and feeling abandoned, God is still there. God was with Stephen that day. God is still with us today. God was, is, and will be faithful always not for our own sakes but for the sake of the kingdom.
Author: Carol Rittenhouse
