What would you do in Stephen’s shoes? He was causing quite a stir by performing miracles and signs among the people. Then he was arrested and brought before the Jewish leaders where he boldly spoke an uncomfortable truth they did not want to hear: “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you!”
This was not a warning to people who didn’t know God; it was a reality check to people who claimed they did, and it was about to cost Stephen his life. The leaders were furious, but their seething threats did not shake Stephen because his eyes were fixed on heaven. His life was about to come to a violent end, but as He gazed into heaven, he saw Jesus.
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” – Acts 7:55-56 NLT
The history of the Church is filled with martyrs. Men and women who experienced brutality at the hands of those who wanted to silence the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have always wondered what I would do if I ever faced a mob who demanded that I stop talking about Jesus or die. Would I have the courage to stand boldly for my faith even if it cost me my life? What would you do?
Stephen’s story gives me hope.
I believe that when a child of God stands for Jesus and it costs them their life, they are not focused on what they’re about to lose, but rather on what they’re about to gain. I believe at that moment they, like Stephen, get a glimpse of the glory of God that gives them all the courage they need to face what’s about to come.
It’s also incredible to note that when Stephen saw Jesus, He was standing. We know from Scripture that since Jesus ascended into heaven, He has been seated at the right hand of the Father. But as one of His own was about to be martyred for His name, He stood up to welcome them into heaven.
I can just picture Stephen as the mad mob started rushing him. He didn’t cower or run. He excitedly pointed up to heaven with a smile on his face because He could see His Savior standing there waiting for him. That image brings tears to my eyes. (Literally. I am crying as I write this.) What a glorious, wonderful, amazing thing to behold. And I am abundantly thankful that God included this in the pages of Scripture.
The world is getting crazy, and many people are offended and angry at the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What would you do if your life was threatened for your faith? Remember, as crazy and even dangerous as it may get, we don’t need to be afraid because what we have in store is better than we can even imagine.
“No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
