Rosella Shishido

An Agent Of Change Read Acts 6:8 - 8:8 Rosella Shishido

One of the things I like about working at First Prez Honolulu is how we’re not discouraged to ask why certain things are done a certain way. We are free to challenge established processes, especially those that no longer make sense. When the only reason we can give for something we do is, “We’ve always done it that way,” we know it’s time to change it. And if we can come up with ways to improve anything, that’s even better! One person in the Bible who had the courage to challenge the old ways was Stephen. He saw how the old order of things was passing away, and how a new one, as represented by Jesus, was on the rise. Stephen sensed this change and became an “adopter” even in the face of personal danger and his ultimate martyrdom. Stephen questioned the manner in which the high priests valued the Temple more than Who was supposed to be worshipped in the Temple. They had created countless rules that encumbered the people and hindered the true worship of God. As a result, the people lost sight of God and the high priests were largely to blame. The Temple was not a bad thing. What the high priests didn’t understand was that it was nothing more than a building. The real Temple, Jesus, had come. Furthermore, those who believe in Him become temples themselves of the Holy Spirit as God comes to dwell in them. However, the high priests refused to believe that. They rejected Jesus. They wanted things to stay just the same. Stephen was an agent of change. His death led to a great persecution of Christians, forcing them out of Jerusalem. Whether they were aware of it or not, they took the Gospel with them to the various places to which they fled. Stephen’s story offers noteworthy lessons. First, our allegiance must be to Jesus, not to religious practices. Second, God is not confined to a certain place. He is everywhere and can be worshipped anywhere. Third, before we engage in potentially costly causes, let’s make sure we’re sacrificing for the right thing. And fourth, let’s be certain that we have a positive motive for what we want to get involved with. Stephen focused on the change Jesus was bringing and not on attacking his opponents.

DAY 73 P R AY E R Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the “winds of change” that may be blowing my way right at this moment. Help me to respond to them with Godly wisdom and in a way that pleases You. In Your name I pray, Amen.

QUESTIONS What is usually your reaction when the Lord is showing you that change is about to happen in your life?

When something new and beneficial is introduced at work or at home, how do you influence others to make them focus more on the benefits of the change instead of the inconveniences it may cause?

If someone were to ask your family, friends or co-workers about how you handle change, what do you think they might say?

MY REFLECTIONS Does any particular verse (SCRIPTURE) in today’s reading speak to you?

OBSERVE what this verse is saying to you:

How can you APPLY this verse to your life today?

My PRAYER for today is: