I’m still amazed how something new can jump out at a person when reading and studying God’s Word. Not too long ago it happened to me.
I was taking part in a men’s Bible Study early on a Tuesday morning. Honestly, I think I was still trying to wake up when it happened. Our discussion had somehow turned to the 7th chapter of the Book of Acts, particularly the account of the stoning of Stephen. As I was reading through the account, one particular word jumped out at me – the word “standing.”
“When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’” Acts 7:54-56
Now… I know I’ve read this particular section of Scripture many times, but this is the first time I noticed that word. In this amazing and somewhat troubling description of Stephen’s last moments here on earth, Jesus is standing at the right hand of God. I guess this threw me off a bit because I’m so used to reading, hearing, and saying that the Lord is now seated at the right hand of God. He is seated in the position of authority and power. In fact, this is the way Scripture often speaks. But I couldn’t let go of the question that began circling inside my head: “Why, at this moment, did Stephen see the Lord Jesus standing?
It is true that nowhere else in the New Testament do we hear of Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
He was given the seat of authority and therefore Scripture consistently speaks this way. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, and therefore He reigns eternally on His rightful throne – seated at the right hand. That is…until Stephen sees him.
It’s an interesting picture isn’t it? Jesus rising from His throne just before His servant breathes his last breath here on earth. And I must say that there could be amazing implications as to why this is.
But one commentator suggests that this really amounts to no significance at all. His thought is that the chosen wording was simply that, just another way of wording things. Another commentator suggests that Jesus is seen standing simply because the Lord had not yet been seated. But others suggest that there appears to be much more to it than what these two commentators offer. There is something more that is going on.
Could it be that the Lord is getting up from His seat to go and meet His child…to greet Stephen with an outstretched hand or open arms? Or could it be that Jesus is standing as a witness – offering a testimony on behalf of Stephen. “Stephen has been confessing Christ before men, and now he sees Christ confessing His servant before God.” (F. F. Bruce) After all, witnesses of any kind would stand, not sit.
All are legitimate reasons, worthy of discussion. But unfortunately, the real reason that Stephen saw Jesus standing will be something that we can and should ponder throughout our lives. Though the real reason Stephen sees Jesus standing is not made completely clear, I do know this: On Tuesday, May 23, 2006, at approximately 7:00 a.m., I saw Jesus standing in this passage from Scripture for the first time in my life; and I am all the more assured that I will once again see Him standing when I take my last breath here on earth. And when this happens, like you I’m going to run into His arms.
For now, though, I think it’s time for all of us to stand as His children. Stand and testify of the One who is seated and reigns on His heavenly throne. Stand up for Jesus…until it’s our time to see Him face to face.
Saved to serve,
Pastor Kurt