Live On Purpose

And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’ [Acts 22.20]

I have addressed this verse before, but I believe it is worth addressing again.

The effect of Stephen's death upon Saul of Tarsus is immeasurable.

It is a well-known fact that witnessing someone die is a significant life-event. However, witnessing someone die as a result of your own doing (whether in full or in part) is at another level.

This was the case for Saul of Tarsus - he was in complete agreement with Stephen's cruel death.

But let's look at this from Stephen's point of view. His testimony by his confidence and the apparent other-worldliness of his death, was undoubtedly on purpose. On purpose!

How might our resignation to the life we hold dear affect the choices and outcome of other lives?

Father, help me to live on purpose - even if it means dying.