The Day Jesus Stood Up

“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, ‘Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’”
(Acts 7:55-56)

                We’re all well-acquainted with the story of Jesus – born of a virgin, raised by a carpenter, ministering to all, dying for our sins, buried in another man’s tomb, raising back to life, etc.  The last time we saw Jesus on earth, He was gathered with His disciples and then He ascended to heaven (Acts 1).  The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus sat down at the right hand of God (Heb. 10:12).  So, the last mention we have about Jesus’ location is seated at God’s right hand – the place of privilege.

                And yet, when Stephen (one of the first deacons) was bold enough to preach the resurrection to the same Jews who crucified Jesus, something amazing happened.  The Jews “were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54).  That kind of reception would’ve been enough to silence some preachers, but not Stephen.  “He, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”  What an amazing sight!

                After Jesus presented His own precious blood to the Father, He sat down at the right hand of God because His atoning work was done.  Yet, when Stephen was martyred, Jesus stood up – not because He needed to sacrifice, but because He was about to welcome one who had sacrificed Himself for God.  What an amazing reception into heaven!  If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you will also be welcomed into the presence of God when your life is through.  What a day that will be!