Eye Witness

Written By Betty Predmore

Acts 7:51-8:13 (June 11)

Crime shows...you either like them or you don't. I like to try to guess "who dunnit". There are typically experts in their fields giving information and insight. There are investigators who gather evidence to build a case. Family and friends share testimonies of the victim. Sometimes co-workers and neighbors add their input.

All of this combined can help build a case. Sometimes there is enough information, sometimes not. But one thing that is key to solving a case is an EYE WITNESS. This person was present for the crime, saw it take place, and has knowledge that no one else has.

Today we get introduced to a EYE WITNESS in the case of Stephen vs. the Jewish leaders.

Stephen is frustrated with these Jews. He accuses them of being stubborn and resisting the Holy Spirit, and of deliberately disobeying God's law. (Remember he is still on trial for blasphemy and is trying to prove his innocence.)

These Jewish leaders are furious with Stephen. After he claims, "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God's right hand!", they drag him out of the city and began to stone him. They don't care that he is filled with the Holy Spirit.

They took off their coats and laid them on the ground at the feet of a young man. And this is where we first meet our EYE WITNESS.

This young man is named Saul. (He will have a name change and a heart change later in our reading.) Saul witnessed this brutal killing of an apostle. This was the beginning of a great wave of persecution against the church, and Saul was a ring leader.

We can wonder if he hated the apostles before this moment, or if he gathered his opinion by witnessing the execution of Stephen.

We can question if he had a truly hating heart or if he was just fearful of the Jewish leaders,and wanted to go along with them for his own well being.

We may never know his reasons, but we do know that he was definitely an EYE WITNESS for the prosecution.

Even with the chaos and fear around them, the believers persevered. They were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, but they continued to preach the Good News wherever their feet landed.

Philip went to Samaria, where he told those people about Jesus. He performed miracles and the people believed him.

Even Simon, a sorcerer who proclaimed his own greatness and power, believed and was baptized. He began following Phillip along his journey.

Simon, too, was an EYE WITNESS, only he was a witness for the defense. His ringside seat of Philip's actions caused him to believe. He gave up his own reputation as the Great One to follow the Good News.

So, this makes me think... who am I a witness for? Who are you a witness for?

We all see the ugliness of the world each and every day, but do we take that to heart and go along with the evil? Or do we look for the goodness, and live according to the gospel?

You get to decide. Who will you be an EYE WITNESS for?

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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