YHWH and the TORAH

It is difficult to be the one who bears unwelcome news. The TV meteorologist can upset people just by predicting that it’s going to rain on a picnic day. It’s not his or her fault, yet the forecaster still takes the heat for bringing the message.

On a much more serious note, when Stephen addressed the religious leaders of Israel, he incurred their wrath because he boldly told them the truth about themselves. He criticized their ancestors and implicated the whole council in the murder of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤔𐤏 (Jesus). Everything he said was true. So what did they do with this indictment? They “gnashed at him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). They threw him out of the city and put him to death. Because he told the truth, Stephen died under a barrage of stones.

When we speak out for purity, righteousness, and holiness in a sinful, pleasure-loving world that seems destined to self-destruct, we too will be criticized. But no matter what happens to us, we can call on 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 (God) as Stephen did. We can take comfort in knowing that we belong to Him and that ultimately He will vindicate us.

As 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄’s (God’s) people, let’s pray that we will have the courage to tell it like it is.