August 9, 2026 | Stephen, the Unwavering Martyr

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Devotional Reading: Luke 23:32–43

Background Scripture: Acts 6–7

Introduction

A. Handling the Hardships

Max Cleland (1942–2021) led a promising life. In high school, he excelled in sports and received the title of “Most Outstanding Senior.” At the age of 24, he volunteered for combat duty in Vietnam, where he served as a captain in the army.

Just one month before returning home, Cleland picked up a grenade that he thought he had dropped accidentally. He was mistaken, and the resulting explosion mangled or altogether severed his right hand, right leg, and left leg. Though not expected to survive, Cleland recovered from his triple amputation, and he recalled the apostle Paul’s teaching that hope “maketh not ashamed” (Romans 5:5).

When Cleland returned to civilian life, he entered politics, learned to drive a car specially equipped for him, and traveled extensively to mobilize support for veterans’ causes. At age 34 he became the youngest man ever to head the Veterans Administration. Later, he was elected as a US senator from Georgia. Max Cleland summarized his experience: “Life doesn’t revolve around an arm and a leg. People look at you the way you look at yourself.”

Today’s lesson presents a servant of God who faced a catastrophic blow. It was a blow that led directly to his death. The story of God’s servants is stained with the blood of prophets and apostles who paid the price for speaking the truth, and today’s lesson presents this reality in vivid detail.