There are a number of images and references to the holy right hand/throne of God, a place where the Son of God reigns in the heavenly places.  (see Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 26:64 as examples).  When God in any form (Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) is pictured seated, it is for the sake of judgment of the world.  A judge in any court throughout any land offers his/her judgment while seated.

This Sunday’s first lesson tells the story of the stoning of Stephen.  He is the very first Christian martyr, that is, the first one to die in the line of duty for his faith and witness in Jesus Christ.  It is also the first time we hear anything about someone named Saul, who, it appears, is the ring leader in this act of killing this follower of Jesus (see Acts 7:58).  This is the guy who later would go by the name Paul.  I don’t think I have to say anything else about him!

It is interesting that Stephen has a vision right before his death.  He is filled with the Holy Spirit; as the people are about to kill him, he looks heavenward, and there—the Bible tells us—he “saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”  Usually Jesus is seated.  Everyone else stands around the throne (several references of this in John’s Revelation).  The reason one stands is to show respect (when the judge enters into the courtroom, when a famous person enters into your presence, certain times during worship, when the bride enters the sanctuary, a grieving family leaves a funeral service, etc.).

As Stephen is about to die for his faith in Christ, the Lord stands.  He usually sits, as scripture has shown.  But, interestingly enough, here—He stands up.

Could it be that a cloud came by and blocked His view from heaven of the goings on down below, therefore, he stood up?  Or, could it be, out of respect for the witness of one young man, one who was about to die for His cause of love and mercy, that He stood to show His respect?

This is the kind of God we have.  He is One who always shows His love and respect for us, even when we do not show it to Him.  That is why it is called grace.

This is the kind of God we have.  One who is patient and kind, “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love!” (see Psalm 103:8)

Give thanks this day for such a God as this.  Be glad that He stands for you and me.  Live in the peace of such an idea.  Blessings to you this day!

Remember that God loves you and so do we!

Pastor Jim