To Suffer With Christ

TO SUFFER WITH CHRIST

a prayer to open

Holy Spirit, come. Center my heart.

Fill my mind. Guide my steps.

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

A great wave of persecution began that day . . . and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. . . . But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

Stephen’s truth was too much for his audience to bear, and he became the first martyr of the early church. The suffering Stephen endured is hard to imagine—particularly in our day, when, in most places in the West, we can gather and share our faith freely. Also, we find suffering unacceptable and seek to avoid it at all costs. We censor ourselves and are tempted to back off if we sense that our beliefs will cause us or someone else the slightest discomfort. Stephen’s example shows us how our human suffering is a way of identifying with Christ’s suffering and thereby helps us know Jesus more deeply. Could our small versions of suffering—which may happen because we forgive over and over, stand up for the vulnerable and oppressed, pray for our enemies, and give generously—actually be gifts?

• Read this passage again. What word or phrase stands out to you? Sit quietly, reminding yourself that you are in God’s loving presence, and ask him to show you how that word or phrase connects to your life.
• What are some ways you avoid suffering and pain in relationships? Recall a time when you experienced growth, beauty, or goodness that came as a result of your suffering and pain.
• Reflect on a time you experienced suffering—humiliation, reputational damage, disappointment, sadness, or even physical pain—as a result of living out your faith in Jesus. How did you navigate that suffering? How did it affect your conduct or your faith? If you have not suffered in any of these ways, why do you think that is?

Father, thank you for the example of Stephen and how he responded to suffering: forgiving his attackers and turning his attention to you. Too often I seek to avoid pain. I can be leery about forgiving others unless I sense their repentance; I can be cautious about offering someone grace lest they take advantage of me; I sometimes lash out at enemies, either with my words or my thoughts, instead of loving them. Give me courage to suffer with Christ—not to step into suffering for its own sake, but to see it as a gift that helps me better identify with you. Amen.