Gnashedrin Passage Analysis
One of the greatest hindrances to the growth of our spiritual lives and the experience of peace and freedom is unforgiveness. It acts as a drag on our souls, preventing us from walking in the liberty Jesus has given to us. Unforgiveness also plants seeds of bitterness, resentment and unrighteous anger, which grow into barriers which keep us from experiencing intimacy with God and others.
I am amazed as Jesus hung on the cross, at the very moment he was experiencing the fullness of the sin committed against him, that he could pray, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” What may be even more astonishing is the seeing Stephen, a follower of Jesus, echo this same posture of forgiveness, at the very moment he was being battered by stones …show more content…
Meditation - Take a few moments to slowly read the following passage over several times. Let each reading help focus your heart and mind on the word or thought which stands out to you. Ask yourself: What might the Holy Spirit desire to speak to me from this passage? How does my heart react to what I have heard? When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. – Acts
I am amazed as Jesus hung on the cross, at the very moment he was experiencing the fullness of the sin committed against him, that he could pray, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” What may be even more astonishing is the seeing Stephen, a follower of Jesus, echo this same posture of forgiveness, at the very moment he was being battered by stones …show more content…
Meditation - Take a few moments to slowly read the following passage over several times. Let each reading help focus your heart and mind on the word or thought which stands out to you. Ask yourself: What might the Holy Spirit desire to speak to me from this passage? How does my heart react to what I have heard? When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. – Acts