Have You Looked Up?

Have You Looked Up?

Acts 7:55-56 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (NIV)

           The Bible tells us the story of Stephen who was a deacon in the early church. The early church had gone through great persecution for the sake of the gospel. Nevertheless, they endured and continued to share the gospel with others. Stephen had been one of seven men chosen to help out with the work of the church and he, being filled with the Holy Spirit, did many wonders to share the truth about Jesus. Opposition arose, however, against him and as a result, he was falsely accused of blaspheme against God and Moses in a desperate attempt to silence him concerning the resurrected Savior by his enemies.

          The religious leaders of the day were zealous in their desire to do away with anyone who spoke the name of Jesus. They questioned Stephen in regards to the accusations that they, themselves, had witnesses to falsely accuse him of. However, the Holy Spirit gave utterance to him and there was nothing that they could say to come up against him except their own hatred and contempt for anything that came out of his mouth. Stephen reminded them of how God led their ancestors out of Egypt and had blessed them through His servant, Moses, but even while knowing this, they were not kind to the prophets of old and killed them even when they spoke of the coming Righteous One. Acts 7:51-53  ⁽⁵³⁾"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers. You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁽⁵²⁾Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the  Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him -- ⁽⁵³⁾you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." (NIV) The religious leaders did not like what Stephen said and was angry at him. Yet, he continued to speak and knowing that he was about to die, He looked up towards Heaven and saw Jesus standing up on the right side of God the Father. When he spoke about what he saw, the religious leaders in their fiery dragged him out and stoned him. Yet, even while they were doing this evil act, he asked God to forgive them.

          There will come a day when all Christians will be persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. People’s hatred for Christ will increase and they will not want to hear anything that is Holy and Righteous. Luke 21:12-13 “But before all this, they will lay hands on you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them. (NIV) Christians in many parts of the world are already dying for the sake of the Gospel and there will be many more even in the western nations who will also bear the same fate. Nevertheless, God will be with all who have to endure persecution for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV)

          Despite whatever persecution that comes our way, we can look up just as Stephen did. Jesus is always standing at the right hand of the Father on our behalf. Throughout the times when you may feel alone and going through the storms of life on your own, look up because Jesus is standing up for YOU. He never said that this Christian journey would be an easy one and the closer we get to His coming, the more intense persecution will be. Many have lost their lives for Christ and we too may encounter the same, but LOOK UP, Jesus will be there to stand for us too. Luke 21:28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your head, because your redemption is drawing near. (NIV)