Title
When Christ Stands
Scripture
"Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
(Acts 7:56)
Devotional
Stephen was one of the first deacons (1), and the first Christian martyred for his faith. His bold stand and testimony not only impacted those hearing him on earth, but also heaven. I can imagine in my mind's eye that the Lord, seeing His faithful Stephen, standing and saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your LORD."(2) Stephen saw the light, not at the end of the proverbial tunnel, but at the beginning of it. He did not have a near death experience; he had a full life experience. He saw the Lord at his death because he knew the Lord during his life. Stephen's martyrdom was glorious, not because of any human sacrifice, but because of the sacrifice of Christ. He could not be frightened by death-death was the door to eternal life. He would not only testify of Christ, he would be with Him in paradise. Muse on these words, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
(1) Acts 6:5, (2) Matthew 25:23
Thought For The Night
“It is required of a man that he be faithful, not successful.” Howard Hendricks, professor at Dallas Theological Seminary
Evening Text
Acts 7:56: “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
Looking for Answers
· Was Christ standing at the right hand of the Father on behalf of Stephen?
· Should not man at times stand in the presence of other men?
· For who do you respectfully stand? For who should you respectfully stand?
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Respect”: To regard worthy of honor. To recognize authority, office and the anointed of God.
Referencing: “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord,” Leviticus 19:32.
Applying: When your parents come into your presence, stand. When the elderly come into your presence, stand. Stand for those who hold an office of leadership: elected officials, teachers, clergy and those worthy of respect. Maybe, just maybe you should stand for anyone created in the image of God.