Acts 7:8, 56
“Stephen, full of faith and power …”; “Behold, I see heavens opened, and the
Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”
Stephen had been
appointed one of the seven to serve people, was accused falsely, preached the
word of God, and he was taken out to be stoned to death yet he was saying,
“Lord Jesus take me home and please forgive them for stoning me.” He fell
asleep. [Acts7:59-60]
Stephen saw Jesus
stood up in order to welcome his first martyr to Himself. Stephen had confessed
Christ before men and defended the faith. Now Christ, in honor of His servant,
confesses Stephen before His heavenly Father. For all faithful believers near
death, the Savior stands ready to receive you as your intercessor and advocate.
[Ref: Mark 8:38; Luke 12:8; Rom. 8:34; 1 John 2:1]
Saul who became Paul
had witnessed Stephen’s death and later on, he got saved. Paul talked about
“the blood of martyr Stephen was shed” [Acts 22:20]. This is an example that
Stephen lay down his life for Christ. His love for Christ was so real that it
reminds me of a song. “I will serve Thee.”
Song: I Will Serve Thee
I will serve Thee
because I love Thee,
You have given life
to me;
I was nothing before
You found me,
You have given life
to me.
Heart-aches, broken
pieces,
Ruined lives are why
you died on Calvary;
Your touch was what I
longed for,
You have given life
to me.
[William J. & Gloria Gaither]
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