Acts 7:54-56 New International Version
The Stoning of Stephen
54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and they gnashed their teeth at him. 55 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. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Stephen was known “as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5).
He was one of the first leaders chosen in the early church to help with providing food and other needs for others.
Stephen is also described as “a man full of God’s grace and power,” and the religious leaders who opposed the early church “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke” (Acts 6:8, 10).
Those leaders hated Stephen so much they had him arrested and put on trial.
Then, when he was asked about the charges against him, Stephen gave a long sermon about God’s faithful work in history through his prophets, even though the people of Israel were often unfaithful.
God even sent his Son, Jesus, to be the Righteous One, the Messiah, but these very leaders had murdered him (Acts 7:1-53).
When Stephen preached all that, the religious leaders became bitterly furious, and they dragged him out to stone him to death.
But Stephen looked up and saw Jesus in heaven, and he said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he asked, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Stephen, the first martyr, suffered great violence and died for his faith in Jesus.
And although he was brutally and publicly killed, his stunning example inspired many others to speak out and live for Christ.
And by the power and wisdom of the Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ has built his church to, without thinking twice about themselves, reach out and serve people so that it brings the very same saving message of God’s love to the world today.
Our 21st Century Response: Looking Towards Heaven
Acts 7:54-56 The Message
54-56 At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed—he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, “Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!”
Stephen only had eyes for God whom he saw in all His glory with Jesus standing at his side.
Stephen unhesitatingly exclaimed, not giving thought to his own life which was about to come to a violent, murderous end, “Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at God’s side!”
Looking Towards Heaven: Jesus in the Honored Place
Acts 7:54-56 GOD’S WORD Translation
Stephen Is Executed
54 As council members listened to Stephen, they became noticeably furious. 55 But Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He looked into heaven, saw God’s glory, and Jesus in the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. 56 So Stephen said, “Look, I see heaven opened and the Son of Man in the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the throne!”
What is heaven like?
Media attempts to capture what heaven is like, such as “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey” and the classic movie “A Matter of Life and Death,” plus many more.
However, these representations are fashioned by Hollywood with little based on truth, falling short of scriptural facts.
To truly see a glimmer of heaven, we look to the Bible to give us glimpses of it through the eyes of those who have beheld it, including Stephen, who saw it as he was being stoned to death, and the rich man looking over from Hades.
As well as the Apostle John, who received a personal tour of heaven.
Looking Toward Heaven
So how do we look toward heaven based on what God’s word reveals to us?
The following are seven things Scripture reveals to us.
1. Jesus paid our way to heaven.
1 Peter 3:18 explains,
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”
Heaven is our eternal destination because Jesus paid our way through His death and resurrection.
2. Heaven requires an RSVP to God’s Invitation.
Matthew 7:21 explains that
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Entrance to heaven requires our response to God’s invitation.
Those who do not accept His call to Salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ will not be able to enter.
3. Jesus is in heaven.
Like Stephen saw in his open vision of heaven, Jesus is standing at the right hand of God.
Hebrews 9:24 describes,
“For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.”
4. Heaven is open to us.
Many television and film depictions of heaven show big, closed pearly gates with Saint Peter holding a clipboard and pen, checking to see if the souls lined up have their names listed on God’s VIP list to get in.
But what we find in God’s word reveals just the opposite. Heaven is open to us.
The Apostle John describes in Revelation 19:11, “I saw heaven standing open…”
Unlike earthly portrayals, when we receive Jesus as our Savior, heaven is open to us, and there is no uncertainty about whether or not we are welcomed in.
5..Heaven has room for us.
We can be assured that there is room for us in heaven because Jesus has prepared a place for us.
In John 14:2-3, Jesus describes His preparing room for us.
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.”
6. Treasures await us in heaven.
Jesus told us that heaven will hold treasures for us that will not ever fade away.
In Matthew 6:19-20 He urged,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
7. Angels will escort us to heaven.
Like Luke 16:22 describes, “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.”
Like the leprous beggar Lazarus, who was carried unto heaven, our first-class transportation is already pre-arranged.
As believers in Jesus Christ, angels will escort us to heaven.
Our Heavenly Vision
Acts 7:54-56 Revised Standard Version
The Stoning of Stephen
54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth against him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.”
His life is brought to this one crucial moment.
Stephen is up against the world that looks to its own created ends.
But he is only moved by the Spirit of God.
He looks above the clatter and distractions.
He is given a vision of the Son standing by His Father´s side.
He shares what he is shown.
The angry world will not want to hear it.
The expression seals his fate.
His walk here is through.
They take him out to do away with him.
Can we see a trend here?
Is this the way it is for those who are given a Heavenly vision?
Do they no longer fit in this world?
Will Heavenly insight end our earthly walk too?
If it does, should we care?
A Christian today may or may not be given a vivid look into Heaven.
But we all can have an outlook which sets us apart.
We can have our eyes tuned to see the Son.
We can look up above all the business and clamor of our day.
We can look to God and to Jesus by His side.
It may cut many ties we have in this world.
It may not make many people happy here.
But could this Heavenly insight bring forth its fruit in time? Could a more intense focus upon our Savior set us on the course that brings us unto Him?
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let’s pray:
Psalm 16 New American Standard Bible 1995
The Lord the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death.
A [a]Mikhtam of David.
16 Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.
2 [b]I said to the Lord, “You are [c]my Lord;
I have no good besides You.”
3 As for the [d]saints who are in the earth,
[e]They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The [f]sorrows of those who have [g]bartered for another god will be multiplied;
I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
Nor will I take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
7 I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my [h]mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to [i]Sheol;
Nor will You [j]allow Your [k]Holy One to [l]undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Dear Father, Thank you that, because of Jesus, we can look towards heaven, knowing we have been given the gift of eternal life. Our hearts are deeply grateful to Him for paying our way with His own blood so that we may come to be with You. We look forward to living in the place Jesus has prepared for us and receiving the heavenly treasures that await us. Like Martyr Stephen, give us a vision of heaven so that in our distresses, we might look up rather than at the troubles on the earth below. Help us to lead others to look towards heaven, too, by inviting them to accept the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ. Give us a clearer vision of our Savior now! Let us gaze upon Your spender and glory! Help us see past our surroundings and keep our eyes searching for the Heavenly Vision! Let focusing our sight on You be our highest goal today we pray! In Jesus’ name, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 