March 18 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

People are interested in stories of martyrs. Books about martyrs were bestsellers during the Middle Ages. Today a publisher's chances are bet­ter with a biography of a prostitute than with the tale of a Christian martyr. Nevertheless, all sects and many churches are still too interested in their own martyrs, saints, and heroes.

The Bible is very sober about this matter: the death of the apostle James is mentioned in less than a sentence (Acts 12:2). We have not been told where and how Paul and Peter died. If we knew, we would build a dozen churches and a score of shrines; millions would make pilgrimages to the place of their death. But the Bible is just as opposed to this sort of thing as people tend to be in favor of it.

So it seems strange that we are told about the death of the first martyr, Stephen, in considerable detail. But when we look closely at the account, we are struck by the parallels between the death of Jesus and the death of Stephen. Suddenly we understand why the Holy Spirit wants us to know the story of the first martyr. Stephen's death is a declaration that "a disciple is not above the teacher ... it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master" (Matt. 10:24-25, NRSV). Jesus really meant it when he said, "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

Stephen was treated as Jesus had been treated. The servant's prayer was the prayer of his master. There is no higher honor for the disciple than to be like his or her teacher.

Leaders and martyrs must be honored only insofar as they teach us true discipleship. But Christ himself sets the pattern for our lives. To him we give glory in death.

REFLECTIONS

What is the Spirit teaching you from this account of the first martyr?

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.