Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ³  and said to him, ‘LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME INTO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.’

 ⁴  “Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran.  From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living.

 ⁵  “But He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, and yet, even when he had no child,  He promised that HE WOULD GIVE IT TO HIM AS A POSSESSION, AND TO HIS DESCENDANTS AFTER HIM.

 ⁶  “But God spoke to this effect, that his DESCENDANTS WOULD BE ALIENS IN A FOREIGN LAND, AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ENSLAVED AND MISTREATED FOR FOUR HUNDRED YEARS.

 ⁷  ” ‘AND WHATEVER NATION TO WHICH THEY WILL BE IN BONDAGE I MYSELF WILL JUDGE,’ said God, ‘AND AFTER THAT THEY WILL COME OUT AND SERVE ME IN THIS PLACE.’

 ⁸  “And He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day;  and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.”  Acts 7:1-8

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With this detailed and cherished review of Israel’s history, Stephen refuted his accusers by showing his respect for God and the patriarchs.  From the very beginning, Stephen’s defense is so strong that it seems like an offense.  Stephen does not stumble or bumble or sweat.  He just recites history.  He shows that God is in total control.  It is almost as if Stephen thanks his accusers for this opportunity to recount each precious sovereign act of what God has done.  Stephen is not threatened.  Stephen does not cower.  Rather, he gladly proclaims:  “Hear me, brethren and fathers!”  

We are reminded of God’s promise in Isaiah 54:14-17. 

“¹⁴  “In righteousness you will be established;
         You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear;
         And from terror, for it will not come near you.
    ¹⁵  “If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be from Me.
         Whoever assails you will fall because of you.
    ¹⁶  “Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals
         And brings out a weapon for its work;
         And I have created the destroyer to ruin.
    ¹⁷  “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper;
         And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn
         This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
         And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.”  Isaiah 54:14-17.