“But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt” (Acts 7:17).
TEXT — Acts 7:17-35
Message
Booker T. Washington recalls a story of an ex-slave from Virginia who had made a contract with his master before the Emancipation Proclamation, agreeing to buy himself by paying off his debt over time. Despite being freed by the proclamation, the ex-slave felt obligated to honour his agreement with his former master. He eventually paid off his debt, even though he was not legally bound to do so, as a matter of personal integrity and commitment. This act of fulfilling his promise was important to him, as he believed he could not truly enjoy his freedom until he had settled his debt. The ex-slave’s story exemplifies a strong sense of honour and integrity, showing the importance of keeping one’s word and honouring commitments, even in the face of adversity and changing circumstances.
Our passage forms part of Stephen’s defence before the Sanhedrin on the false accusation levelled against him bordering on blasphemy against God, the temple, and the Mosaic Law. His preaching had offended the synagogue of the Libertines (Jews who had been taken captive by the Romans in war and later set free and possibly had a separate synagogue in Jerusalem). They were not “able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10,12); they summoned him before the Jewish council. Stephen thus began his speech by tracing the historical relationship which existed between God and Abraham (verses 1-8), Joseph (verses 9-19), Moses (verses 20-44) and David (verses 45-47).
Notably, narrating how God used Moses to deliver the Israelites, which forms the main thrust of our discourse, Stephen opined that the deliverance occurred when God needed to fulfil His promise to Abraham. This gives a clear testimony of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. He honours His word more than His name! It means that despite the continued failures of His chosen people and the changing events in the world, God was working out His plan for His people.
Therefore, when faced with challenges, we should also remember His promises of deliverance, salvation, prosperity, etc.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
