Standing in the Stirrups
Scripture Focus: Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-54 (Stephen's bold stand)
Cowboy Wisdom: When a cowboy needs to see danger coming from far off, he stands up in his stirrups to get a better view. Stephen stood tall in the stirrups of faith when everyone around him wanted him to sit down and shut up.
The religious leaders brought false charges against Stephen—the equivalent of a crooked judge and a rigged trial. But Stephen didn't back down or water down the truth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he called them out: stiff-necked, uncircumcised in heart, always resisting God's Spirit. He reminded them that they'd killed the Messiah they claimed to be waiting for. Talk about courage! Stephen looked the most powerful religious court in Israel right in the eye and told them they'd murdered God's Son.
That took more courage than facing down a charging longhorn. Stephen knew what speaking truth might cost him, but he valued Jesus more than his own life. He understood something profound: temporary safety isn't worth eternal compromise. Today, Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith—approximately 100,000 are killed every year for following Jesus. Even here at home, the pressure to compromise is building. Pastors face threats for preaching the gospel, churches are pressured to abandon biblical teaching, and standing for Christ can cost you relationships, jobs, or reputation. But like Stephen, we can't give in. We have to take a stand. The world needs cowboys of faith who won't back down when the heat is on.
Questions for Reflection:
When have you been tempted to hide your faith to avoid conflict or persecution?
What truth is God calling you to speak, even though it might be unpopular or costly?
How can you support Christians around the world who face persecution for standing firm?
Prayer Focus: Ask God for Stephen's boldness to stand for Jesus no matter the cost. Pray for persecuted Christians worldwide. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with wisdom and courage for the battles you face.
