Daily Reading: Acts 7
Scripture Focus: 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. (Acts 7.55)
Devotional Thought: Stephen's testimony for Jesus was powerful, in spite of opposition. One of the reasons for this was that he "gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God." Most of us, I believe, have a desire to see God's glory. So, how and when did Stephen see it?
Not in a worship service. Do we depend on musicians, lyrics and melodies to reveal to us the glory of God? Don't get me wrong. Worship is a wonderful time to experience the presence of God. I wonder, however, if we don't depend too much on a third party to manufacture an experience for us.
Not in a time of fellowship with other believers. Jesus did say that he would be with us when we gather in his name, didn't he? But, when Stephen saw the glory of God, his 'small group' is nowhere to be found.
Not even in his personal devotions. Now, I do believe that when we draw near to God, he draws near to us, but Stephen was not enjoying his 'quiet time' when he saw Jesus.
Stephen saw the glory of God in the midst of persecution and pain.
Should we be surprised? Isaiah saw God in bereavement and anxiety. Paul saw him in a storm at sea. Peter saw him in a cold dark jail. John saw him on a lonely, forsaken island. Seven fishermen saw him in the dim dawn, after a night of failure.
No matter what you are going through, it is never too dark to see the Light!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for showing up, even in the most unlikely of places. Help me to see your glory and find your grace - evident in the simple fact that you are here. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 68.1-10
1 God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him! 2 As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God! 3 But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy!
4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the Lord; exult before him! 5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. 6 God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
7 O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, Selah 8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. 9 Rain in abundance, O God, you shed abroad; you restored your inheritance as it languished; 10 your flock found a dwelling in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.
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