📖 Day 275 — Acts 7–9 | Psalm 78

In Acts 7, Stephen, one of the early church leaders, was put on trial. Instead of being afraid, he told the story of God’s faithfulness through Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and the prophets, showing how God had always been guiding His people. Stephen reminded everyone that God is not limited to a building but lives with His people wherever they go. His words made the leaders furious, but Stephen kept his eyes on Jesus, even as he was hurt by those who rejected his message. His courage reminds us that sometimes following our convictions costs something, but God gives strength and peace greater than fear.

Sometimes when we read the Bible, the Old and New Testaments can feel like two very different stories. One is full of ancient laws, kings, and prophets, while the other shows Jesus and the church being born. But through teachers like Stephen, we see that it has always been one story. Stephen reminded the people that God was present with Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, just as He was present in Jesus, and just as He is with us today. God’s presence has never been far away, and His plan has always been unfolding. When we feel like the pieces don’t connect, we can remember that God has been weaving one story of love and restoration from the very beginning, and we are still part of it right now.

In Acts 8, after Stephen, many believers were scattered, but they didn’t stop sharing Jesus. Philip went to Samaria, and miracles drew crowds to listen. Even a magician named Simon was amazed at God’s power. Later, God told Philip to travel a desert road, where he met an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. Philip explained how the words pointed to Jesus, and the man joyfully asked to be baptized right there. This shows us that God’s love is never stuck in one place. It moves across cultures, languages, and nations, reaching people wherever they are.

In Acts 9, Saul, who was known for hurting followers of Jesus, set out to capture even more. But on the road to Damascus, a bright light stopped him. He met Jesus, who asked why Saul was fighting against Him. Saul was blinded for three days until a believer named Ananias, even though he was afraid, prayed for him. Saul’s sight returned, and his heart was changed. He became Paul, one of the greatest messengers of Jesus the world has ever known. God’s transforming love shows that no one is too far from His reach—He can turn even an enemy into a servant.

What if the greatest enemy of the church became its greatest messenger? In Acts 9, Saul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus, and everything changes. This moment introduces Paul, whose life and letters would shape much of the New Testament and still guide us today.

Psalm 78 retells the history of Israel, reminding future generations of all God had done: the miracles in Egypt, the parting of the sea, food in the wilderness, and His guiding hand. Yet it also remembers how often the people forgot. Still, God’s mercy shone brighter than their failures, and He led them like a shepherd. This psalm invites us to keep telling God’s story so children and grandchildren never forget His goodness.