misunderstood passion

this post actually brings me back to LCDC 2008. I remember the voice that whispered in my ears, "What if ppl misunderstand your passion? What if people don't wanna hear about the passion of knowing christ through you?" Wells not reli quoted properly, its been a long time since that experience happened.

But somehow I was spending time in thought and was thinking of people in the bible who were misunderstood and this name came out to me. Stephen. We know him as the first martyr in the bible. I was briefly searching and reading on this man and realised He is a man qualified, full of zeal and passion to serve. This can be found in acts 6 on how the apostles appointed deacons to oversee some matters of the work. A description of Stephen Acts 6:8 "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." What an amazing description of such a passionate person. But later down in the same chapter we see ppl (Acts6:9-10) who couldn't quite able to "resist the wisdom and the spirit which he spake". And as I read on, I realise how this irritation so as to say actually led to dispute and a heated long accusation towards such a zealous man. But I like the account recorded in verse 15 of the same chapter:

"And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel."

What a description. I am wondering what does it mean to have an angelic face? But according to a commentary, it was a spirit of calmness. What a response to such accusations and heated argument. I wonder if I can ever do that. Imagine how great his relationship with God was that the spirit showed forth from his being. Amazing.

Then in Chapter 7 we have his account, his sermon that cut deep to the hearts of the people in the council that they dragged him out of the city and stoned him. But look at how in the 60th verse of the chapter, when he was stoned, He cried out to the Lord and prayed for a prayer on behalf of those stoning Him. How amazing. Ok i've mentioned this so many times amazing. But truly, what an account in the bible telling of a person who's passion was misunderstood not becoz of anythin he did, but because of the God who used Him. Because as we notice its the God who was filled him.

Now how do we relate to this passage? One thing for sure is that in service we can never please everyone. Especially in teaching the word. The word is powerful and is like a double edged sword that cuts straight to the heart. Now the reaction of the people is a result of their defiance to the truth that it reveals. Though they could have just accepted the truth and believed but as their hearts were hardened they felt more offended then blessed. Now sounds familiar doesnt it? And to us serving do we feel discouraged and just get frustrated and just go all out and just blame everything? I m just amazed at stephen's reaction. He was calm and the opposition didn't stop him from doing what he was called to do. He ended teaching, and speaking the truth. So he didn't compromise but stayed true to what God has called him to do and stayed true to his convictions based on his amazing relationship with God. What an amazing man...

Which brings me back to Phil 3:10

"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings; being made conformable unto His death."

A direct example of a person who knew christ. Who was passionate for the word. Passionate of the truth and everyone didn't see him but saw God's power. Can we be like a stephen? ITs abit extreme don't u think? But if we look at the verse, to know Him means we have power, we will suffer to the point of death....Are we willing to stand up? And get serious about our business or are we going to just let it go just like that? And can we when faced with opposition or even death, glorify our Lord? God is amazing that he allows this story to be made known. That sometimes we may end up losing our lives for the sake of the word. It strikes my heart. It begs me to ask, do ppl see God in the work I do. Or do they see me? If my life and my ministry were to be written down, how would they describe me? What words would it say? would it be a glorifyin account or an example of those who have fallen away from the faith and are hypocrites?

I thank GOd for this story. As I examine my own life, I understand my passion can be misunderstood, but I pray that the Lord be magnified in my life not me. Less of me. For if ppl see me more than you I pray Lord purge this vessel for your use and guide me and let your Word be your word...Forgive me for the lack of love in my life and bring me back to your feet...How we must examine ourselves daily in the light of your word. I'm no stephen, I've been very rash, forgetting that you came down for the people, you built the relationship. Teach me how to be just like you in your teaching. I know rejection will come and people will misunderstand my passion for your word. I am no stephen. But u have reminded me that there is no compromise in the word. And there is no shortcut. I pray u forgive me for my inability and forgive those who are hurting or discouraged because of me...I thank you for how u still hold ur promise of Ps32:8...That u are indeed directing my paths and instructing me...Teach me how to mend relationships and love your ppl and feed your sheep. Search my heart and you be my word, you be my Lord, teach me to pray like you did...I just want to love thee and please you. ANd i know it may ruboff some ppl as being self righteous but Lord my refuge shield and strength have thine own way and let your word speak.

A passion for Thee....
Oh Lord Set a fire in my soul
and a thirst for my God
Be thou my prayer, Lord, thy power impart
Not just to serve
But to love Thee with all of my heart

A Passion for Thee - The Wilds Music