Acts 7:54-55
"When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 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."
As Stephen was stoned, the Spirit gives him a vision of God's glory, accompanied by the sight of God and Jesus. Once again, the Bible reveals the Triune nature of God. The Spirit gives sight. The Father is on the throne. Jesus stands by to receive his own. How can these things be known? Surely only by faith!
Luke records that Stephen is filled full by the Spirit. Even as Christ stands by in compassion during this persecution of an innocent man, the Spirit is there to comfort him. Even as Christ ushers him into eternity as a martyr for his faith, the Spirit goes with him. Even as Stephen is shown what no man can see and live, the glory of God, the Spirit cleanses him from all unrighteousness.
Never discount the filling of the Spirit. For in his presence, all of our sins are destroyed by the blood of Christ. We receive an imputed righteousness from our Lord which makes possible an everlasting life with the Lord.
While I hope we will never face the possibility of death for our faith, know that by the Spirit's filling we may turn from the horrible reality of those who oppose Christ to the welcome arms of our Lord who is standing for us!
LORD JESUS
Lord, I invite you to fill me full with your Spirit so that I may rightly see your glory and worship at your throne. Amen.
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