BOXING DAY REFLECTION
Boxing Day is traditionally the Feast of Stephen, commemorating the first Christian martyr. After his execution, persecution against the early Church intensified. They stopped their ears, refused to listen to the truth, and stoned him to death. Yet Stephen prayed for his persecutors, asking God not to hold their sin against them. Amazing grace.
Saul approved of Stephen’s execution, but later encountered the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus and became Paul the apostle. You never know the effect your witness for Christ will have—even on your fiercest opponents. Sauls can become Pauls.
Hostility against Christ and His followers is deeply spiritual in nature. It is spiritual warfare. We are witnessing these same levels of persecution today in some countries around the world.
“They came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council…”
“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem.”
— Acts 6:12b; 8:1 (ESVUK)
I find this extremely challenging, yet I have also experienced great hostility when making decisions to follow Christ. Stand for the One you love ❤️. Your reward is in heaven.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
strengthen us to stand firm in love and truth, even in the face of opposition.
Teach us to forgive as Stephen forgave,
to witness boldly,
and to trust that You are at work—even in the hearts of our enemies.
Amen.
Prophetic Declaration:
I declare that I will stand unashamed for Christ, even in the face of opposition.
I will not stop my ears to the truth, nor harden my heart against love.
Like Stephen, I choose forgiveness over offence and faith over fear.
What the enemy intends for persecution, God will use for salvation.
I declare that today’s Sauls will become tomorrow’s Pauls,
and my witness will echo into eternity.
My reward is in heaven, and my life will glorify Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sharon
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