Not long after his selection as a deacon Stephen found himself standing before the religious leaders in Jerusalem, in large part because of the things he had accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ. Given the opportunity to address such an audience Stephen delivered a powerful sermon in which he laid out the claims of the gospel. According to our reading from Acts, however, “When they heard these things, (the Jewish leaders) became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:54-55).
As powerful as Stephen’s sermon was, what is most powerful about this story to me is that even in the midst of such violence Stephen is able to perceive the presence of God and Jesus Christ. It is a precious gift, this ability to see with “eyes of faith,” and one to be valued. I admit there are times when I am too busy focusing on what Hamlet calls “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” to see just how blessed I really am—and I’ve never been attacked by a mob bent on silencing me. But by grace Stephen was able to look beyond his situation and to see the “big picture,” the truth of God’s grace, and to take comfort in the promise he had received.
So while Stephen’s words convey a profound truth in the book of Acts, it is his ability to see what God is doing even at the moment of his death that inspires me most.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see with eyes of faith so that we may not lose hope nor be discouraged. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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