Today’s Thought “The In-Between” G. Ward

 

Acts 7:54-56 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; ⁵⁶ and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

 

So inconspicuous was the death of Stephen to many considering themselves subjects of Christ, but very known to his persecutors who just endured perhaps what has been the most excellent chronological discourse in proving our Jesus as the Christ. This Easter speech would ultimately culminate with a great tongue lashing incomparably bold considering death as imminent (vv.51-53). Confidence in all Jesus demonstrated and promised to those HE loved was his focus (cf. Matt.6:19-21); but never would he have imagined seeing heaven while being stoned to death. Moreover, not just heaven, but this Jesus STANDING, where he’s mostly depicted as seated at the right hand of the Father.

Before counting success in this world soon to be forgotten, pursue an ovation from heaven that grants peace when others fail in presence (Heb.13:5).