But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56
Dear Friends,
Today, as I was reading Acts 7, I was reminded of Deuteronomy where God continuously challenged the people to remember. In Acts, Stephen recalled everything with a passion and a vigor, standing square in front of mockers. Then, at the end, he names rightly who they are. I think somewhere in his heart Stephen knew he was at the end of his race. But this morning, what made me cry was this: he gazed into heaven, saw God's glory and Jesus standing.
We always hear that Jesus is seated at the right hand, but here, He was standing. It was as if Stephen delivered a message that reached right to the Lord's heart and compelled Him to stand. The Lord saw a man who actually obeyed, remembered, and spoke the truth: a spiritual, Spirit-inspired performance that brought Jesus to rise and give a standing ovation!
I have nothing to add to this except it reached deep in my heart. The next minute, stoning; what an amazing entrance Stephen received into glory. Soooo moved! I want to remember, remain passionate about it, and NEVER be afraid to speak what I have seen, heard, and experienced first hand!
Love,
Cari