Acts 7. 12.11.25

SCRIPTURE

“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—Jesus—standing at the right hand of God.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭55‬-‭56‬ ‭NIV‬‬

OBSERVATION

Stephen had been arrested on trumped up charges. Some witnesses were persuaded to lie about what they had heard Stephen say about the Temple. Now Stephen is standing in front of the same Sanhedrin that Jesus stood in front.

Stephen could have been FILLED with Fear, doubt, or trembling.

His death seemed eminent. The accusations were false and the Judges were determined to do whatever was necessary to stop this “Jesus Movement”.

But Stephen was SO supernaturally FILLED with the Holy Spirit—that everyone—took notice of how is face was—glowing—as bright—as an angel’s.

“At this point EVERYONE in the high council STARED at Stephen—because his face became as BRIGHT as an angel’s.” (Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬)

Stephen became the first martyr for Christ and the Gospel—leaving a powerful example for us all to follow.

APPLICATION

When you spend time with Jesus—it SHOWS

I don’t want to Settle for anything less…

All we know about Stephen’s life and ministry is covered in two and half brief chapters in the book of Acts (Acts 6-8) yet God used his life and death to be the pivotal gateway in Spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem towards the Gentiles—Fulfilling Jesus Great Commission. The enemy was using the blinded Jewish Leaders to Martyr Stephen and squash the Gospel—instead it Propelled the Gospel and opened the door for one of its most ardent adversaries, Paul, to become a fully Transformed on fire—born again—Spirit Filled—Christ is my everything—Apostle.

Stephen was known as being well respected, Full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. He was more than willing to take menial ministry work dispersing food to widows, yet scripture tells us he was so full of God’s favor and divine blessings that he did great wonders and signs and attesting miracles among the people. He was also given a special gift for understanding and explaining scripture in a way that no one could stand against—as God had given him divine inspiration. This was one gifted believer. And…he glowed. (Acts 6:8-10)

Believers who spend time with Jesus…have that special Glow. While Moses and Stephen are said to have had a special glow, there are other examples of God’s presence in believers lives such as Peter delivering his first sermon after being spirit filled and Daniel had a radiance in his god-given wisdom and understanding.

Last, Stephen saw Heaven opened up to Welcome him in and Jesus standing to greet him. What an amazing gift he was given to experience that vision before his death. Yet it speaks of the Future that every believer will get to experience when Jesus calls us home.

“Look,” he said, “I SEE heaven open—and

the Son of Man—Jesus—standing at the right hand of God.””

PRAYER

LORD Jesus,

Teach me how to Live for You like Stephen did. A man so full of Love and Full of Your Grace and Full of Your word. We cannot manufacture this. It only comes from You. Lord Jesus, change my heart to be more like You. Fill my heart with Your Love for all the things that You Love. Immerse me in Your Presence that others may SEE YOU in me. Give me an overwhelming Fear of Who You—so are that no other worry or doubt or fear will ever have place in my heart. You are an awesome God worthy of All my Praise. Be my First and Only Obsession.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tina L Kudelka