Daily Reading
Exodus 25-27
Acts 6

The Twisted Truth

Scripture

11 So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” 12 This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.

13 The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses. 14 We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

15 At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s. (Acts 6:11-15)

Observation

Those people must have been the forefathers of our media!  I wonder how come God doesn’t make my face shine like an angel’s when someone has just manipulated my words?  Unless the face of an angel is spitting red, that’s never happened to me!

Steven probably did say that the temple would be destroyed and the customs of Moses would change.  Jesus did also.  But when taken out of  context it sounded bad.  Satan is the father of lies, not because he’s good at making up lies (I don’t believe he can create) but for twisting the truth into a lie.  A good lie has 90% truth and 10% falsehood.

Application

So, how does that help me?  Steven was still stoned for his “lie”.  When people manipulate my words to their own advantage, I may still feel the pain.  The comfort comes in knowing in your heart that God knows your intent.  He knows the Truth.  It is His responsibility to mete out justice.  If I know I have integrity, even when no one is watching but God, I can feel at peace even when lies are said about me.  Steven was at peace even when he was being stoned to death.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to have Your “peace that passes all understanding” in the midst of lies and manipulation around me.  Help me to pray for those who intend me harm.  Thank-you.