1 Kings 7 / Acts 7:30-50 / Psalm 128 / Proverbs 16:31-33
Where are my people who love to research history, especially your family history? I am fascinated by family history and ancestry. I’m currently mired down in the kings of England heading back toward Scotland, Ireland and on into the era when the Biblical rulers merged their line with Ireland. That part of history is hard to find solid proof of because anything that would have been written down is scarce. A lot of histories were told orally in ancient times.
That’s why I’m fascinated with Stephen’s telling of this history of Israel from the patriarchs to current day. As I read, I wonder both how Stephen remembers all this history in such detail (I’m sure it was common for the oral histories to be rehearsed many times over someone’s lifetime), and how the Jewish leaders are patient in listening to the account when this is supposed to be Stephen’s defense for the false accusations against him.
They are, however, listening to every word. Since I’ve read the story before, I know what’s coming. Stephen will tell the Jewish leaders how they crucified the Messiah, they will become angry, and Stephen will be stoned. But in the meanwhile, anyone who is listening is hearing an accurate account of the history that has led up to this point – though a very abbreviated one.
What about you? Are you confident of both your ancestral and more importantly your spiritual history? Could you tell the stories of the patriarchs, how the Messiah came, etc.? I’m sure the answers to this question will vary as each of us will be interested to different degrees with the details.
Whether you’re a history nerd, or one who knows just enough details to know where you were born, there is one story which matters above every other. That is the history of the coming of Jesus Christ – first as a baby in a stable, and next as a King who will rule all things. If someone asked you to explain to them the Gospel, could you?
If you’re unsure, let me give you some scriptures that will help you get started. When I was a child, we shared Jesus with others using what was called The Romans Road to salvation. It’s been so long since I’ve seen or used this that I am also having to look it up to share with you!
Romans 3:10 – No one is perfect
Romans 3:23 – Everyone sins
Romans 6:23 – Sin is death, but Jesus is life
Romans 5:8 – Christ took our sins
Romans 10:9 – Confess and believe to be saved
Romans 8:1 – People in Christ will be free
Jesus Saves!
Now you have a simple tool to walk someone toward salvation if you need it. Another amazing tool is to share your own personal story of experience with Jesus Christ. Practice your history, share it as often as you can and be a blessing to those you love, helping them know the One who loves you most!
