“Full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’” (Acts 7:55–56)
Gracious Jesus, this scene from Stephen’s costly discipleship shouts eternal engagement. With stones bouncing off his body, Stephen saw you standing at God’s right hand. This story transforms every wrong notion I’ve ever had about you “sitting” at the right hand of the Father. Your “sitting” is a sign of you ruling the world, not needing a break. You’re on a throne—THE throne, not reclining in a big massage chair.
Having risen from the dead and ascending into heaven, you are now making all things new, advancing your Kingdom, turning your enemies into your “footstool” (Ps.110:1)—redeeming, loving, and serving your beloved Bride. Thank you and Hallelujah!
Jesus, forgive me for ever thinking you’ve forgotten about me, don’t really care about me, or have even abandoned me. I confess that sometimes—especially when life feels most unfair, most lonely, and most broken, I briefly entertain these self-absorbed, Gospel-contradicting notions about you.
By the power of the Spirit, gift me and my friends with same liberating awareness you gave Stephen—whether the sky above us is dark and foreboding or “Carolina blue.” We’re not asking for “warm fuzzies,” but a transforming vision of who you really are. Open the eyes of our hearts to see more of you, Jesus—much more of your truth, goodness, and beauty (Eph.1:15-23).
Let us see you joyfully enthroned (Rev.4:1-3). Let us hear you singing over us and delighting in us—Bridegroom to Bride (Zeph.3:14-17; Isa.62:5). Grant us the same “redemptive heartburn” (Lk.24:32) you gave your new friends on the road to Emmaus. Continue to reveal yourself to us everywhere in the Bible (Lk.24:27). That’s all we need—that’s all we really need. Thank you and So Very Amen.
