Full Allegiance to the Trail Boss
Scripture Focus: Acts 7:54-60 (Stephen's ultimate witness)
Cowboy Wisdom: A cowboy's word is his bond. When he signs on with an outfit, he gives his full allegiance to the brand. He doesn't ride for two ranches at the same time—that's a quick way to lose trust and end up without work.
Stephen pledged his full allegiance to Jesus Christ, and he never wavered. Even as the stones started flying and his life was ending, Stephen looked up and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. His last words weren't curses but prayers—for himself and for his killers. Think about that: dying words reveal what's really in a person's heart, and Stephen's heart was full of Jesus and forgiveness. He even prayed like Jesus did on the cross: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."
The judges in Stephen's trial rejected Christ and resisted the Holy Spirit. They were stiff-necked and stubborn. We have to do the exact opposite. We can't have one boot in the Kingdom and one boot in the world. Jesus is either Lord of all, or He's not Lord at all. It's time to pledge our first and full allegiance to Him—in every area of our lives. That means our marriages, our money, our careers, our entertainment choices, our time, our words—everything comes under His lordship.
The world may never hear your name or mine. But just like Stephen, we can make an eternal difference for Jesus Christ. God will never lose a legal case, and His ultimate victory is assured. Stephen's story didn't end with stones and death—it continued through a young man named Saul who watched him die and later became the Apostle Paul. Your faithful witness today may impact someone who will shake the world tomorrow. Don't underestimate what God can do through a life fully surrendered to Him.
Questions for Reflection:
What areas of your life have you held back from full surrender to Jesus?
How would your daily decisions change if you truly lived with eternity in mind?
What legacy of faith do you want to leave for the next generation?
Prayer Focus: Surrender every area of your life fully to Jesus Christ as Lord. Ask Him to help you live with eternal perspective. Pray that your life, like Stephen's, would point others to Jesus and make a lasting difference for His Kingdom.
