DAY 127 - STAND UP
WHITNEY BESS, YOUTH EVENTS TEAM LEAD
“At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all His glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, “Oh! I see Heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!” Yelling and hissing, the mob drowned him out. Now in full stampede, they dragged him out of town and pelted him with rocks. The ringleaders took off their coats and asked a young man named Saul to watch them. As the rocks rained down, Stephen prayed, “Master Jesus, take my life.” Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear, “Master, don’t blame them for this sin”—his last words. Then he died.” Acts 7:54-60 (MSG)
I am about to make a bold case that nothing has spread the gospel faster and further than persecution post resurrection. This is a hard statement for myself to believe. However, as I look into history, persecution has been one of the strongest catalysts for momentum.
Let’s start with the first recorded persecution that quickly turned to the first martyr for Christ. You just read the story of Stephen. Stephen was stoned because the truth that he proclaimed convicted the hearts of the religious leaders at that time. Instead of submitting to the beckoning of the Holy Spirit, they decided to act out in rage and allow evil to overcome them. The Bible says that Stephen’s message cut them to the heart. In other words, Stephen’s message hit the desired target that was given to him by the Holy Spirit. And yet, he still died. But don’t read the text too fast. Acts states that when Stephen saw Heaven open, he saw Jesus STANDING at the right hand of God Almighty.
This is the first time we hear that Jesus is standing in scripture. The Bible mentions in Matthew 26:64, Colossians 3:1 and Isaiah 66:1 that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God, and the earth is His footstool. But in this passage, we find Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
The Greek word the Bible uses for standing is Histemi, which means to stand immovable in the presence of others or in the midst before judges. Jesus was accepting Stephen in front of all Heaven, much like Stephen was doing for the sake of the gospel in front of man. Nothing captures the heart of Jesus like defending His Name to our peers and oppressors.
What are some areas that you can take a stand for Christ right now?
Is it having a conversation with a friend at work? Is it taking a leap of faith with your family at dinner? Is it becoming a missionary? No matter the outcome, Jesus is standing before Heaven accepting you, watching you with proud authority. Heaven is watching with eager anticipation because Jesus’ full attention is on you.