In today’s society, we see many people emulating others. When a celebrity has a new fashion style or hairstyle you begin to see more and more people adopting those trends. This is not just in personal looks but also in attitude, political, and societal views. We have people on one side or the other of these issues, dividing our nation and even the people of God.

If we were to be true Christian (follower of Christ) we would strive to emulate Christ and his love for people, not our own thoughts.

Months ago, during the COVID restrictions, I was part of a political conversation that the phrase “As a citizen, it is my constitutional right to gather as the church”. This is true but what kingdom are you first part of God’s kingdom or the USA. The Bible (God-inspired word) states “everything is lawful but not expedient”. At that time it was believed not to be safe to gather, you could be endangering others. So out of the love for God’s people, we stayed away from any gatherings.

Stephen was a disciple that emulated Christ right to the end. Stephen was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. He was chosen to serve the people of God with the distribution of food. He was in a verbal altercation with the Jewish leaders. They falsely accused him and had two false witnesses speak against him. He spoke to the crowd and shared the history of the Jewish people and of Jesus Christ the anointed one. They ended up taking him outside the city and executed him by stoning.

Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭7:58-60‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We do not have a full account of all who were present at the trial and at the cross at the time of Christ’s death. I believe that Stephen might have been at both places and maybe even walking with Jesus and the disciples. Stephen did not try to defend his actions or beliefs, he just shared the truth and love of Christ. Jesus did the same thing when he was being accused by the religious people.

And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

Mark 15:3-5 ESV

We can also see in Stephen’s responses during his execution that he might have been with Jesus at the cross. He responded in his death the same as Christ did by committing his spirit and asking that God forgive them. We can see this is in Luke’s account of the crucifixion. (Luke 23).

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Luke 23:34 ESV

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”

Luke 23:46 ESV

Stephen was a follower of Jesus Christ that he would not go after his own desire but to emulate the Master right through his own death. Can we say the same? When times get hard do we want our own will of the Father? Do we cry out “it is my right”? or do we look for how we can love like Jesus.

Some would say it was easier for people like Stephen, the disciples, and Jesus followers because that have time with Jesus. They spent physical time in with Him watching Him do signs and wonders.

Paul never walked with Jesus but ended up doing the same sign and wonder. His response to the above question would be “Follow me as I follow Christ”. It is your responsibility to allow the input of a mentor in your life that will pour into you and you can emulate.  Paul had Barnabas, Barnabas saw God working in Paul’s life. Barnabas showed his approval of Paul to the disciples in Jerusalem (Acts 9). Later in Acts 11, you see Barnabas being the one sent to Antioch, Barnabas decide to mentor Paul for a whole year there, and Paul submitted.

The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year, they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians.

Acts 11:22-26 ESV (bold added)

You can just follow someone blindly, you have to know that that person you are emulating is following Christ. This is done by you taking the responsibility for your own relationship with Jesus, though, spending time with him, studying His word, praying to, and worshiping Him.

APPLICATION

• Set a reading and pray plan for yourself
• Follow Jesus no matter what others opinions are, it is you personal relationship