Photo by Nate Dumlao
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 6:8
Recently, 3 Strands has been digging into the book of Acts together. I (Jenn) was struck by Stephen’s sermon in chapter 7. Stephen is an incredible story arc for a relatively minor Biblical character.
We see him first in Acts 6. The disciples realized they needed to raise up others to help them with the work. So they chose a few men to fulfill certain roles. Stephen is the first listed, and he’s described as “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit”. By the end of the chapter, he’s arrested. Chapter 7 is the amazing sermon he preaches—where he glows and by the end sees into heaven.
As I read, I wondered what Stephen’s secret was. Did Stephen practice self-care? I re-read the text, looking for what we know about Stephen.
- He knew the history and the law—it is evident in his sermon that he was familiar with the events of the Old Testament.
- He was full of the Spirit.
- He saw heaven opened.
Before his arrest Stephen read and studied. He spent time with the Holy Spirit. He prayed, listened to and obeyed the Spirit. He depleted himself so that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit would fill him up.
Today, we hear many clichés. Put on your oxygen mask first. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Our 21st century proverbs sound shallow and self-seeking.
In the past year, I have clung to the idol of self-care. Pedicure. Massage. An afternoon alone a Starbucks. A quiet moment reading a book at the library. Going to an exercise class. A walk outside. (Yes, I’m an introvert.)
Yet, I sat in this time of family-isolation, an introvert’s paradise! Except the first week wasn’t paradise. I was missing my self-care, my time alone. My time to recharge. My time to focus on me.
Then I realized that my view of self-care was an idol. I realized that I needed to be where Stephen was – full of the Holy Spirit.
From the beginning of the social distancing and stay-at-home orders, 3 Strands has heard REST. This is a time to rest. And only in pursuing Jesus and his perfect rest have I found care that truly refreshes my soul.
- Sitting in prayer
- Meditating on scripture
- Studying scripture
- Leaning into the quiet to wait and to listen
- Praying with my children constantly through every fight, tantrum, and injury (perceived or real)
- Leaving my phone plugged in on the counter and implementing app-restrictions to prevent temptation, so I don’t jump into the feed of endless distractions.
My challenge to you is to find YOUR rest in Jesus. What practices can you change and implement to continue to care for yourself at the feet of Jesus?
In Acts 6, Luke describes Stephen as he begins his sermon: “And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” And he describes him at the end, “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ ”
Today, sweet friend in Christ, may your strength, energy, hope, and peace flow from Jesus your Savior through the Holy Spirit. May Jesus meet you in the middle of whatever circumstances surround you. May you be blessed to see the glory of God surrounding you. In the precious name of Jesus, I bless you. Amen.