October 17, 2015

Acts 7: 55  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.

Stephen has told the story of the Jewish faith to make the point that the people were never faithful, even with all God did for them.  They even killed his prophets, and now they have killed the Messiah too.   That made them furious.  When he tells them what he sees in heaven, they drag him out of town and stone him to death, as he asks God to forgive them.

It's a horrible story, as the same people who are responsible for Jesus's death try to stop the Christians from spreading the faith.  But it's a great story, too, as Stephen sees the glory of heaven and our risen Saviour in his rightful place there.  It gives me hope in my time of grief.  I will meet my mom in that same place.

Prayer:  Lord, I want to see the glory Stephen saw.  Fill me with the Holy Spirit, that I may do Your will as Stephen did.  Guide my thoughts and actions to better serve You.  You are an awesome God who has prepared a wonderful place for all Your people.
Amen