Seeing Jesus in the Heat of Our Trials
Acts 7:54-58
When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord.
 The story in our Bible passage today relates to Stephen's persecution and murder. The reason why he was being persecuted was because some people were envious of his faith in God, the exploits he was doing and his ministry (Acts 6:8-11). As a result, they conspired and even bribed people to lie against him. They did all this to discourage and silence him because that is what persecution is always aimed at achieving in us. Despite the fact that Stephen was being persecuted, he remained eager to patiently teach and explain the gospel to them, Acts 7:2-53. His passion for God and preaching the gospel far exceeded the persecution that he was experiencing.
Acts 6:15 says,“all those sitting in the Council fixed their eyes on Stephen and saw that his face looked like the face of an angel.”
Instead of looking gloomy because of what was happening to him, his face shone all the more. That is what happens to us when our eyes remain fixed on the glory of God and His great love and plans for us, 2Cor.4:17-18. Remember that Jesus is the glory of God, Heb.1:3& 2Cor.4:6. Stephen seeing Jesus standing up in heaven reminds me of how team officials and members of a team's supporters clubs react in a stadium when their team is winning. The hosts of heaven stand up and rejoice when we manifest faith on the earth. They stand to cheer us on, Heb.12:1 (MSG). Stephen was so victorious even in the face of death that he even prayed for God to have mercy on those killing him. You too will always be victorious.
PRAYER: Father, please help me to keep my eyes and focus on Your plans for me, no matter the trials or persecutions that I go through.
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