The Cost of Following Christ part V

Acts 7:60 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 (died).

We find throughout the gospel stories told in the Bible that many came to follow Christ Jesus during his earthly ministry. We mostly hear of the twelve disciples because they are the men who followed Him most closely, but it is also worth noting that many of those who chose to follow after Christ turned away when they were required to suffer or give up too much. Others, like all of the inner twelve, save Judas Iscariot, followed Jesus unto death. Every one of those eleven men were martyred in the name of the Lord.

Another man we learn of in the book of Acts is Stephen. Usually when we hear Stephen's name it is in the context of a story about Saul of Tarsus being present at his stoning; the focus being on Saul. Saul later met with Jesus on his way to kill more Christians and became a follower of Christ Himself. But we miss out on much if we leave the focus on Saul and never pay any attention to Stephen.

Stephen, when brought to trial, did not cower, he did not cave. When faced with death, he did not renounce Christ, he did not fear. Instead, Stephen willingly gave his life in the name of his Lord and Savior. That in itself is noble and worthy of mention. But Stephen did something even more brave.

Though the cost of following Christ was his very life and breath, Stephen uttered the last words, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Even as he was being killed by his accusers, Stephen followed the example of Jesus and prayed for their forgiveness. That is true devotion.