Lesson Thirty Six

A FAITHFUL DEACON

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Memory Verse: Revelation 2:10
Further Study: Acts 6:8:-8:2; Acts of the Apostles, pp. 97-102; The Bible Story, vol. 10, pp. 32-34

As I write, I am about a year from retirement. This realization has completely altered my thoughts and perspective. Time suddenly seems either shorter or passing faster depending on where I am at the moment. I wonder at times how much longer I will have to live (said sincerely, not pessimistically). I think about whether I have made an impact during the time I have lived. And I contemplate what I will do with the additional years the Lord blesses me with.

When one studies the life of Stephen, we can instantly recognize a life cut short. 

When one studies the life of Stephen, we can instantly recognize a life cut short. A life well lived; a life recognized for faith and wisdom; but nevertheless, cut short almost before his ministry began. For those living at that time it would seem his work ended in failure. In fact, Stephen’s life reminds us of Jesus—another ministry cut short. His, also, would seem as one cut off before it could be considered successful.

But we know with Jesus that couldn’t be further from the truth. Jesus accomplished exactly what He had come to do. His death wasn’t a failure, but a triumph ending in the resurrection. Stephen, too, is similar. While his death didn’t end in a resurrection, it accomplished several important things (see Digging Deeper).

Now that my daughters are mothers, a conversation comes up now and again—one I’ve probably mentioned before. They talk about our parenting of them (mine and my husband) contrasting how it was different from their friends’ parents. Recently my older daughter shared we were “strict” parents. When asked to elaborate, she mentioned several “rules” that impacted her life with her friends—places she could not go, events that ended earlier for her than for her friends, as well as the inability to drive her friends from place to place. I listened and agreed. She wasn’t exaggerating; it was all accurate. I reiterated that our goal was to have her and her sister go to heaven—it was the one objective that guided our parenting including any decision we had to make. So, our rules had a purpose.

Our rules had a purpose.

But I know that parenting doesn’t always feel successful. I’m fairly certain there are parents reading this now that may feel like they have failed. Their child is rebellious, obstinate, or perhaps separated from religious things or the church altogether. But the life of Stephen helps us realize that one should not be discouraged. While his last speech seemed to fall on deaf ears, in actuality, he started a movement. So, we too should continue to plant seeds. Continue to call out the truth. Continue to set rules despite the complaints. Continue to parent with heavenly goals in mind knowing that a difference is being made; maybe not one seen today, but in the future.

Following Jesus can be challenging. Parenting for Jesus can be as well in a world that is increasingly corrupt and full of sinful temptations. Take courage. Parent your children knowing that with Jesus what may feel like failure now, will triumph later because we have persevered. We may not feel it now, but one day we will be renewed.

Digging Deeper 

Stephen was an important part of the story of the early Christian church. 

1. He was the first Christian martyr.
2. It is at this point that Christianity and Judaism are now seen as separate religions.
3. Stephen links the early Christian work of Peter and John to Paul.
4. The trial and stoning of Stephen became pivotal in the life of Saul, who while he supported the Jewish leadership and went on to terrorize the Christians, was impacted by not only Stephen’s speech, but also in the way he died.
5. Stephen further separated Christianity from the temple stating that God is not confined to a geographical place in Israel.
6. He laid the groundwork that eventually led to the belief that one did not have to first be Jewish in order to be a Christian.
7. Stephen was the first Christian apologist—someone who defends Christianity.

Making it Real

If you haven’t thought of parenting objectives, do so this week. When there are defined objectives or goals that we can weigh our decisions against, it helps us to be consistent in our parenting. This is obviously ideal if you have small children. But even if your children are teens or grown, it still helps. Use your Bible and pray as you decide these objectives so that you can lead your children to Jesus.

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being a grandmother to two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus, and a granddaughter, who’s delighting everyone with her smiles. She is blessed to have all three living close by, continually bringing joy and delight.