As we p
age through the Bible, again and again God impresses on us the importance of standing firm, really firm, in our faith. We discover faith warriors like Daniel, Elijah, Joseph, and Esther. These people all shared a common thread in their thoughts and actions. They all relied on God’s strength and assurance to get them through difficult times of extreme assaults on their faith.
Today we meet another faith giant. He was chosen in a special meeting of the infant New Testament church to help the apostles in their work. The apostles did the preaching and teaching while specially chosen people helped with the supportive work of waiting on tables, distributing food and clothing, and handling all the other chores that come with any growing ministry. These people are very necessary in our churches today. They work silently behind the lights and presentations, quietly carrying on their duties. They are truly special people!
Stephen was one of these people. The Bible says he was a man “full of . . . faith, grace and power” (6:5,8). But a serious problem plagued Stephen. “Opposition arose . . . from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. . . . These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke” (6:9,10). Jewish leaders in the synagogue hated him. They could not stand losing every argument to Stephen. They loathed his righteous ways and burned at his pious attitude. Finally they arrested Stephen and accused him of blaspheme.
When these charges were brought against Stephen, he replied with 52 verses of remarkable witness. His speech was historical, factual, honest, and very straightforward. It began by introducing Abraham and ended with Jesus. His presentation put the members of the Sanhedrin to shame. When Stephen finished, it seemed like the Sanhedrin was on trial.
That was more than they could handle. “They were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. . . .They covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him” (7:54,57,58).
While Stephen flinched with each stone’s blow, God was planning a special reward for him, one that God reserved only for Stephen. In his loving mercy, God opened the window of heaven and allowed Stephen to peek inside. He permitted Stephen to catch a glimpse of heaven’s throne room where he could see God’s glory and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
What do you think Stephen was thinking during that snapshot in time? Did Stephen long to be with God? Did he quickly try to etch every detail of this vision in his memory? Did Stephen want to see more? We don’t know Stephen’s exact thoughts. Whatever they were, they had to be the most comforting and consoling thoughts that ever entered his mind.
Then it happened! Within minutes Stephen found himself standing inside of that very vision. Within minutes Stephen himself was bowing before the throne he had just seen from earth. Within minutes Stephen “fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” (7:60). Stephen died and was transported by God’s messengers into the same heaven that he had just explored. Now there was no more need to peek. This was the real thing.
We are happy for Stephen. Sometimes God pulls extra strings to show his love to his children. For now, however, all we can do is envy Stephen and thank our Lord that one day he will show us the same paradise that Stephen now enjoys!
Jerusalem, my happy home,
When shall I come to thee?
When shall my labors have an end?
Thy joys, when shall I see?
(from “Jerusalem, My Happy Home”)
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