February 04, 2023
I’ve recently had three close friends die. All of them were followers of Christ. All of them were used by God, playing significant roles in God’s kingdom. All of them are enjoying the riches of eternity with God now!
I had the privilege of doing two of their funerals. What do you say of such men? It has caused me to think deeply about finishing well. We have opinions of what we think we are. Others will comment on our lives when we die—some who know us well. But the reality is, the one who knows us best is God. HIs final words will give the true evaluation.
A MAN FULL OF GOD
The life and death of Stephen, a servant in the early church, is recorded in two chapters in the New Testament. He was one of the first martyrs of the church. Evil, jealous men arose with false accusations and stoned him to death. In Acts 6-7 are several sentences that God gives that tell us who this man was.
The recurring word in these descriptions is “full.” Stephen was a man full of God.
Full of FAITH
“Full of faith" (Acts 6:5)
Full of the HOLY SPIRIT
“Full of ... the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5)
"Being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55)
Full of GRACE
“Full of grace ..." (6:8)
Full of POWER
“Full of ... power … performing great wonders and signs (6:8)
Full of WISDOM
(They were) unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking (vs. 10)
Full of MERCY and FORGIVENESS
Falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. (7:60)
Many people are full of themselves, and the results are disastrous. Because of Stephen’s full surrender and full pursuit of His Savior, he was full of God. And as such, he was fully used and fully pleasing to the Father.
What will God say as this earthly portion of your life ends? Pray that He uses the word “full” … a man, a woman, full of God!
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