City Life Starter

Written by Paul Lane

The Word

² Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 

Acts 8:2 (ESV)

⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned^[a] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:7-9 (ESV)

Reflection

When you think of Stephen, think of a favorite professor, pastor, teacher.  Think of someone who did you a kindness that had an impact on your life.  Or you can think of a close friend or relative that meant a lot to you.  I think such comparisons are appropriate because this is the kind of person I think Stephen was.  In Acts 6, when the disciples decide to pick seven men “full of the Spirit”, Stephen is chosen first.  Clearly, there was something special about him.  In Acts 8:2, it says that “Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.”  Let it be known that Stephen was loved, deeply.

It makes me think of my high school track coach, Mr. Samaras.  He was also my Physical Science teacher, and we spent so many hours at his house.  At the beginning of track season, we would set a goal for our personal best times. The deal was that if we beat it, we would get a steak dinner at his house. He and his wife were wonderful cooks, and we would play with his kids and their train set. Somehow, they created the most wonderful community amongst us track kids. He passed away when I was on a family trip, and I grieved deeply.

Also, when I think of the passing of my father, I think of the lamentation mentioned here. I grieved all at once and deeply. I was at work in Moscow and my mom called and told me that he had passed away. Somehow, I was able to turn off the emotions and finish the day. I had just gotten married and my wife was coming into Moscow to visit me at work for the first time.  As she arrived, I ushered her into the apartment and was hardly able to tell her as I broke into tears. 

Just recently, my mother passed away. She was 95 years old. As I would tell people of her passing, I would often throw in the “95 years old” in hopes that it would soften the situation. Perhaps it was my attempt to be kind, as if to say, “don’t worry about it.  I don’t need anything from you.”  Over the past few years her memory was getting worse and worse, so it felt as if I was already losing her.  So, when she finally passed, it wasn’t a shock.  The dam didn’t break until I had to speak of losing her at the funeral.  It all hit me when I had to face the fact that she was gone.

Application

Yes, weep. Yes, morn. Yes, cry.  Do not hold back and do not hold it in. This is appropriate, true, and good.  We are not made of wood, hay, or stone.  We are humans, full of the breath of God. We blead if cut, and we cry if hurt.

“⁵ For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Psalm 30:5 KJV

But weeping, morning, and crying are not the end of the story.  It is not the end of our story, nor is it the end of the story of our loved ones.  We are to tell others of our loved ones.  We need to talk about their quirks, their loves, and their misdeeds.  Tell of their broken windows, their hospital trips, and cooking adventures.  These are all honorable things.  They are the adventures that shape us into who we are becoming.  And know this, it is our Father in heaven that is doing the shaping.  And in this, we are to take joy.

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven, please let Your light shine in my life.  Amen.