Nougat 26

How do we respond to intentional deception? Especially when the deception is about us and damaging to our reputation. I know that for many of us, those be fighting words. But what if God says otherwise? Please consider today’s Holy Nougat

“We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.” ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Changed Countenance

Being a follower of Christ is not always easy. And for many of us in the West, that is merely about what we say and do and whether we get publicly caught out in the more embarrassing moments. We might have to deal with the occasional malice and malicious behavior of others. But overt persecution – that’s stuff we read in the Bible.

Like our nougat on Stephen. That’s some bare-faced ‘liad ‘tory’ (liars’ tall tale) and Stephen could easily defend himself. Yet, there’s something vaguely familiar about Stephen’s persecution. It sounds a lot like Jesus’ crucifixion. Hired liars who distort the truth, using the distortion to justify punishment under the Torah, God’s Law. For the schemers knew that it was easier to use blasphemy laws for stirring up anger, affront and violence.

But here’s the irony.

By saying nothing to the mob in that moment (he’d preached the Good News and the Truth must’ve hurt, for they were most infuriated and rejected it), Stephen was actually preaching Christ. Just like Isaiah had prophesied about Jesus, ’as a sheep before her shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.’ (See Isaiah 53:7) True, the prophecy pertained to Jesus, but as a follower of Christ, Stephen did likewise.

And, under God’s anointing, Stephen was transformed. God’s Spirit changed Stephen’s countenance and ‘his face became as bright as an angel’s’. To my recall, only one other person had such an experience, and that was Moses. His countenance changed whenever he entered the *Holy of Holies*, the place in the Tabernacle where God’s Spirit was tangible and impacting. (Or rather, when he was communing with YHWH on the Mountain of God). But only one person had access to the Holy of Holies then.

Stephen’s transformation was visible for all to witness. Even his detractors and persecutors. The change in his countenance was its own testimony, although he was killed shortly after. But not without impacting one Saul. (Got it – Saul:soul). His persecution was not in vain.

Presently, there are Christians in prison, on the run for their lives as they too face persecution in their countries (and before we jump to judge, Peter, Paul and others also escaped death in the era of persecutions). Their crime – sharing the Gospel and thus challenging systems of power and greed. In one instance the person in question was shown notarized testimonies of things the person had not said: words taken out of context to fan the flames of a bogus case.

For the most part, these newly persecuted saints have also had a change of countenance. Their physical features might not glow like Moses or Stephen’s, but given that in some cultures, countenance also suggests an attitude, I believe that their countenance has changed. Whereas they might’ve tried to save themselves or seek to be compliant with their persecutors’ demands; their new status as prisoners and fugitives indicate that they still choose Jesus Christ. And that choice tells its own story. It might even transform one soul.

It’s not always easy or safe to be a follower of Jesus. And in spaces and situations like Stephen and our modern martyrs, it is clear that their response was not entirely natural. To be as single-minded as they were/are comes with the special anointing and relationship with Jesus through God’s Spirit.

We pray for the release of those who are still captive; we make efforts to support where we are able; and moreover we maintain a deep rooted relationship with Jesus that our faith may be so strengthened in situations of persecution.

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May all we seek be found in Christ