Pattern of Rejection

Throughout history, man has consistently rejected God's Man and God's Word.

From Stephen's sermons, I will point out several examples of individuals who were chosen by God, but were rejected by their people. There has been a pattern of rejection of God's chosen leader.
Example #1 = Joseph
As a young man, God gave Joseph dreams of future rule indicating to Joseph and his family that God's hand was on Joseph in a special way. But Joseph's brothers rejected Joseph.
Example #2 = Moses
Stephen accurately portrays the grace and power of God in dealing with Moses, but notice beginning in v25 how this theme of rejection pops up again.
Before I give the next example of God's man being rejected, in v51 – Stephen goes on the offensive.
Stephen turns the tables on his accusers. It is not he who has shown a disregard for the law, but they like their fathers before them.
Example # 3 = the prophets

But how were these prophets received? By and large, they were rejected by the people of Israel. Their warnings were ignored and their prophecies dismissed. People refused to change their ways. They would not turn to God in repentance and look to His Coming King in faith.
Example # 4 = Jesus
It is not Stephen who breaks the law as the Jews have charged. Rather it is his accusers who have broken the law and covenant by killing the Righteous One!

In this chapter, we see one more example of God's man being rejected.
Example # 5 = Stephen
Today, I present to you the risen, Jesus Christ. He is fully God and fully Man. He is the risen Lord and Savior. He is God's appointed ruler. His person deserves our worship. His authority demands our obedience.