THE NEW VERSUS THE OLD - Devotional

 

PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY - MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT.
August 9th, 2025

THE NEW VERSUS THE OLD - THE DIFFERENCE!
The final words of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada the priest, compared to the final words of Stephen, full of faith and power. (2 Chronicles 24:22 and Acts 7:59-60)

Both Zachariah and Stephen spoke through the power of the Holy Spirit. "Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you." (2 Chro.24.20.NIV)
"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." (Act.7.55.NIV)

They both confronted the king and leaders of their time, of apostasy - deliberately abandoning their faith, turning their backs on the God who delivered them and led them out of Egypt.

The king that Zachariah confronted was Joash, a descendant of David who was enthroned as king at eight years old because Jehoiada, the father of Zachariah kept him safe. "King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son,...............” (2 Chro.24.22a.NIV), while Stephen was accused of blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11)

Both Zachariah and Stephen were stoned to death. "But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple." (2 Chro.24.21.NIV).
"....dragged him (Stephen) out of the city and began to stone him." (Act.7.58.NIV)

They both delivered powerful messages about the consequences of forsaking God's commandments, the importance of spiritual leadership and symbolism of divine authority - a timeless reminder of the need for obedience, faithfulness, and the enduring impact of spiritual guidance.

BUT HERE IS THE DIFFERENCE.
Zechariah’s last words were: .......“May the Lord see this and call you to account.” (2 Chro.24.22.NIV)
Stephen's last words were: .......“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Act.7.60.NIV)

One is for revenge and the other for forgiveness. WHICH ONE ARE YOU, OLD OR NEW?

THE WORD: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ [39] But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
(Mat.5.38-39.NIV)

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