Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Her ministry may seem short to human eyes, but in God’s eyes it lasted exactly the right amount of time. Her days had been numbered before the world was created; however, it is not the number that matters but how we use those days. Tinulele used her short time on earth to build something for eternity. (Foxe: Voice of the Martyrs: AD 33-Today, Kindle Location: 4,335)
The world around Stephen was full of chaos, anger, fury, and gnashing of teeth. However, Stephen was undergoing an incredible blessing where his gaze was fixed upon Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen was seeing God’s very glory! Stephen’s trajectory of life and death is marked by God’s glory. This brings to the forefront of the constancy of what it means to be full of the Holy Spirit—which is a life that sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God, in daily living to the ending of our days.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may we fix our eyes upon you, the pioneer and the perfecter of our faith. May we be filled with joy and perseverance as we follow you all of our days. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Let’s worship with the song Jesus only Jesus by Matt Redman. (Click Here)
-GK
