Scripture
54The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55But 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. 56And 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 7:54-56
Observation
Even when Stephen was surrounded by liars and false accusations he didn't let it distract him from the message of the Kingdom. "Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people... None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke." (Acts 6:8-10) Even when they arrested him under false pretenses he never once stopped to defend himself or his reputation. How was he able to do this? How could he stay so steadfast in the face of such persecution? Stephen kept his eyes locked on the King. This was just how he lived. There was only one throne and only one King and every other authority would have to bow to this One eventually. Stephen decided the only way to live was in submission and in love with King Jesus. So, while the rest of us would have grown red faced with anger at the deceit and lies being hurled against him Stephen's face reflected his focus. "At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s." (Acts 6:15) Stephen just kept looking up and this caused everyone in the room to shut up. When most of us would have been crying out in agony and anger calling down curses on the ones casting stones, Stephen cast his gaze on His Savior and saw what everyone else was missing... King Jesus standing at God's right hand looking at his son Stephen and welcoming him to his true home.
Application
I've read this story many times throughout the years and have always been inspired by the Kingdom courage on display. This morning though, I felt like this story was reading me. With only three weeks left until the most pivotal election of my life time I feel discouraged by the vitriol being spouted by our leaders, distracted by the outcome that I have no control over, and discouraged by the prospect of our country falling even further away from God's plan for this great nation. I began to cry as I saw Stephen's response and realized he was providing me a road map for the way forward in these tumultuous times. Regardless of who wins the white house this country will be more fractured than ever after this election and a house divided cannot stand. So, how will stand in these last days? I will stand like Stephen, with my eyes locked on the King. Long after this election is done My King still reigns on The Throne. Here's some takeaways that left me in tears this morning:
If I want to look like Jesus I must look at Jesus- the crazier things get around me the quieter I must get with my King. To see Him standing, heaven opening, Jesus reigning, I must say no to the distractions around me. Solitude, silence, and surrender cannot be optional. I want to show Jesus with an unanxious presence through my face I must seek His face first!
If I want to sound like Jesus I must listen to Jesus- there are so many noises shouting so many things and every single one of them is telling me it's the most important. Stephen was able to hear His King's voice about the noise of the false accusers like a child who can hear their parent calling to them in a crowded room. Stephen sounded just like His Savior on the cross with his final words because he hung on every word Jesus said, "He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died." (Acts 7:60) If people don't hear forgiveness in my voice it's because I haven't been listening to His voice.
If I want to see God's throne I have to let go of my own- I'm not here to defend my reputation, I'm here to point to Jesus. I'm not here to build a platform, I'm here to pray for those who don't know Him. I'm not here to get people to hear my words, but to preach God's Words of life. There's only room for one throne in the human heart which means mine needs to go on the trash heap. This isn't about my comfort it's about The Cross. If I want to have the Kingdom courage of Stephen than self preservation is no longer an option.
Prayer
This morning I pray the words of this powerful song by Abbie Gamboa, "Eyes Locked On The King."
CHORUS
With my eyes locked on the King
It is well, My soul it sings
It’s a simple kind of free
When I’m with you
And you’re with me
My Jesus, My Jesus
(I can’t get enough)
VERSE 2
So let your love
Come take the lead
I give up controlling things
When I’m with you
I can be weak
You’re my source, my shield
The strength that carries me
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