Acts 7

“Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?” (v52).  Stephen, full of the Spirit, told his fellow countrymen the “real story” of their history.  They believed themselves to be righteous because of their ancestry, but Stephen showed how good men like Joseph and Moses were persecuted by their people.  Over and over, Israel – like the whole world – rejected those who “announced the coming of the Righteous One” (v53).  And until they admitted their guilt, they couldn’t receive their Savior.

Each one of us has to tell the truth about ourselves, past and present, before we can receive the wonderful gift of mercy.