The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation [about their killing the Messiah and disobeying God's law], and they shook their fists at him in rage. But 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. And 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!"
Jesus promised his disciples that
"everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory." (
Luke 21:27). Daniel spoke of a glorious Son of Man coming to take up his reign over all peoples (
Daniel 7:13-14). While all will see Jesus on the clouds when he comes for his followers at the end of time (
1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11;
Philippians 2:9-10), Stephen saw the
Lord and his glory before he died. Those who give their lives in martyrdom for Jesus and his cause go to the very throne room of heaven (
Revelation 6:9-11). Not only is Jesus exalted in his eternal glory, but those who have sacrificed their lives for him - and those who have lived their lives for him - also share in his glory!
O Father, my heart is thrilled to know that Stephen received comfort from seeing your glory before he died. I pray that such a glorious gift is experienced by all who give their lives for your cause. May they see Jesus in his place of honor with you in your glory. Be with my brothers and sisters all over the world who faithfully endure hardship, persecution, torture, and martyrdom for the sake of Jesus and his people. Keep their faith steadfast. Deliver them from harm or into your eternal glory. I pray this for your persecuted children, in Jesus' name. Amen.
![Illustration of Acts 7:54-56 NLT — The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation [about their killing the Messiah and disobeying God's law], and they shook their fists at him in rage. But 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. And 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!"](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/24688.jpg "Illustration of Acts 7:54-56 NLT — The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation [about their killing the Messiah and disobeying God's law], and they shook their fists at him in rage. But 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. And 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!\"")
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