The Power of His Stand

Stephen was a man full of God’s grace and power who became a disciple for the Gospel of Jesus. His passion to speak of Jesus’s message was so great that it caught the eye of others who didn’t appreciate his boldness. There were lies told and misconceptions believed about Stephen, so that he was arrested and charged with blasphemy. (Acts 6:8-14)

Stephen was taken before the High Council. Here he was given an opportunity to speak and what he shared about Jesus and his faith only led to more outrage and anger by his accusers. (Acts 7)

There is more to Stephen’s story. Something amazing happened when they took Stephen to be stoned. As he looked up to heaven, he proclaimed that he saw “the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Jesus stood up for Stephen! Jesus allowed Stephen to witness his stand. As Stephen faced death, Jesus opened heaven wide for Stephen to see that he was not alone, Jesus was standing for him. The sky unfolded by the power of God. Once it did, Stephen was able to view Jesus as his time on earth was about to end and eternity with Jesus was only just beginning.

Jesus stood up for Stephen and allowed him to see it while encountering the most painful moment of his life. He is willing to stand up for each of us - to stand in the gap, to stand as our strength, to stand with us and for us when it seems nobody else will. The power of his stand will help us see what he is showing us. The power of his stand will be a witness in and through us to those watching our lives. I have experienced the power of his stand in seasons of waiting, loss, and disappointment. I can confidently declare that I have known Jesus in the power of his stand.

The power of his stand gave Stephen the final word and the final testimony that Jesus was with him. Jesus will do the same for you, if you will invite him to save you and learn to trust him with your life.

Dear Jesus, I invite you into my life today as my Savior and Lord. I want to know you and share your message with others. Thank you for letting me see you stand up for me and for the power of your stand. I give you all the praise.

Throughout this day: Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with his grace and power as he filled Stephen. I encourage you to welcome Jesus in all that you do and thank him for the power of his stand in your life. The song Jesus Stood

might be a blessing as you worship.