HE STOOD

Currently, the Lord Jesus Christ is in Heaven making intercession for those who've put their faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. Scripture frequently pictures Him seated at the right hand of the Father, the position of honor and authority. 

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:12

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 1 Peter 3:22

The Word of God reveals that Christ is 'seated' at the right hand of God, but on one occasion we see Him 'standing'. 

We read in the book of Acts that Stephen was the first Christian martyr, a bold evangelist who was not afraid to proclaim the Gospel, even at the risk of violent opposition. In the end, when he preached an impassioned defense of Christianity ... it so enraged members of the Sanhedrin that they ordered Stephen to be put to death for 'blasphemy'. 

The mob dragged him outside of the city to stone him and then ... it happened.

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56

Here lies divine tenderness. Thirteen times Christ is spoken of in Scripture as 'seated' at the right hand of God; this is the only reference to His 'standing'. Jesus heard every malicious accusation hurled at Stephen and felt the earth stir when the verdict came down. 

The Son of God could not remain still. 

Jesus felt the cruelty inflicted on His faithful servant and rose to His feet. Stephen forgave his assailants, his bloodied body died, and our Savior welcomed him into his eternal resting place. 

Dear pilgrim, this is the very heart of God toward you as well.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

As "The day of the Lord" approaches, allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen your resolve ... that you might see the Savior 'stand'.