When God Showed Up For Stephen - Part 1
“I see the heavens opened,” he says, “and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Jesus is standing. Those words are important. He is not seated in judgment nor seated on a throne as King. He is standing — attentive, engaged, present.
When God Showed Up For Stephen - Part 1
Acts 6–7; Hebrews 12:1–2
Stephen is a servant — chosen to distribute food to the needy. But he suddenly finds himself being dragged before the council. As he stands before Israel’s highest court — accused of speaking against God — heaven already knows where he belongs.
As Stephen speaks, he does not defend himself. He tells a story. It is the story of a God who is never confined to temples, borders, or systems — a God who keeps showing up where people least expect Him.
And then Stephen looks up. He is not looking at the stones. That is the detail Luke wants us to notice. The rage is real. The danger is immediate. The crowd is loud and violent — but Stephen’s gaze is somewhere else entirely.
“I see the heavens opened,” he says, “and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Jesus is standing.
Those words are important. He is not seated in judgment nor seated on a throne as King. He is standing — attentive, engaged, present.
Luke is telling us something about God, here. As Stephen’s perspective changes, he is no longer defined by the fury of men, but by the faithfulness of Christ. The suffering is not explained or removed. It is consecrated. The trial on earth is still raging, but another court is in session.
The writer of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Stephen is not interested in doing a Bible Study right now, or talking about those words — he is in the process of living by them. In a moment when fear should be dominating his vision, Stephen’s eyes are captured by something greater. Jesus’ is standing and He’s telling Stephen something words never could:
You are not alone.
Your testimony matters.
I am with you.
We might ask a question here: how often does the Bible describe the glorified Jesus as standing? Well, let me help you out. Hebrews, Ephesians, Colossians and the Gospel of Mark all describe Jesus as SITTING at the right hand of God. But, the heavenly Jesus stands only here and in Revelation.
We will look at that on Saturday.
