No Cause Is Lost

And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Acts 7:56 (NASB)

We may not be living in the era of the early Christians, but that does not mean we do not encounter the same types of problems. In the time of the early Christians, those who spoke of Christ and His saving work on the cross were targeted. They were crucified or put to death because of their faith. This is a reality against which Jesus clearly warned us. Stephen was driven by an unwavering faith. He believed in his preaching and his message, for he held the firm conviction that Jesus Christ was the only path to salvation.

Today, we live in an era where—even if you are not put to death for your faith—you run the risk of being rejected. You could even lose your job, or perhaps even your position of honor, simply for having spoken of Jesus Christ. Some nations in Asia do not permit preachers to preach in the streets. Nevertheless, this is a responsibility we all share: to proclaim the Gospel of salvation. It is better to die for the cause of the Gospel than to die without it. The disciples, despite the threats hanging over their heads, feared nothing. Indeed, they carried within them a hope far greater than any fear.

How far are you willing to go for the cause of the Gospel? Are you prepared to be rejected by your circle of friends? Are you prepared to lose your home, your job, or even end up in prison out of love for Christ? This is the kind of question that each of us—as Christians—should ask ourselves. Your faith in God should not be limited merely to believing in His promises and His grace; it should also prepare you to face the worst, for no one knows when or how it might strike. Proclaiming the Gospel of salvation will never be a lost cause—even if you must give your life for it. At the moment of his death, Stephen saw something far greater than his own life. He saw Jesus in His glory.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.