Image from http://livingthelectionary.blogspot.com
Saw Heaven here on earth and died for it From Acts 7:55-60: But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
Stephen was one of seven men chosen by the disciples to serve in humble aspects of church work, a position he embraced with joy and served with power and authority because of the indwelling Holy Spirit in his life. Chosen to serve tables and to be fair in serving all with equality, he did more than that. The scriptures say that "Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people." But he also like to share his faith with those who did not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. As happened with Jesus, it happened with Stephen; accused for blasphemy against Moses and God. The truth was exactly the opposite of that of which he was accused. Stephen loved God and loved God's people, and even when brought to trial he radiated the love of one who loved God, as an angel. This passage shows that Stephen was found guilty and sentenced to death by stoning, and even with this knowledge, "he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." He even said it aloud, "I see the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" As they lead him to his death, these men entrusted their coats with a young man named Saul. Even at death's painful door, Stephen prayed a prayer of faith asking that Jesus receive his spirit, and a prayer asking for the forgiveness of those men who were killing him.
The priesthood of all believers comes with a price. We all enter in with faith, but our faith may require us to walk those paths no one wants to walk and endure those blows that harm, maim, and kill. And sometimes real instruments are used, such as stones to harm, maim, and kill us. But we keep this in our hearts and minds, that we never walk alone; every step of this kingdom journey is a step taken with Jesus, our Lord, Savior and Protector. Greater is He than anything that can be formed against us to harm, hurt, or kill us. Even in death, the glory of God will be revealed fully to us, and no one can say or do anything against that. So, what are you facing? What has you down? Turn it over to Jesus. The stone in the picture above is covered, in my view, with tears, but an olive branch has been placed on it. The weapon of death has become the weapon of peace, a peace like the world cannot offer, the peace of Jesus.
PRAYER: Loving God of peace, bless my heart, soul, and mind with Your joy. Let me know that every step I take I take in You. And whatever may be formed against me, transform it for Your good. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
