Seldom has a sermon so inflamed a crowd that they rushed upon the preacher and killed him on the spot. It happened with Stephen in Acts 7. During the frenzy, several strange things happened: (1) Stephen was suddenly filled afresh with the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:55). (2) He gazed upward and saw heaven, glimpsing the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand (verse 55). (3) Stephen, overcome with excitement, shouted to his enemies what he was seeing (verse 56). (4) While being battered with rocks, he cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (verse 59). (5) Stephen knelt in the dust, shouting, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (verse 60). And with that, he “fell asleep” (verse 60).

What a contrast Stephen experienced between the wrath of earth and the welcome of heaven!

Stephen’s experience is unique, but according to 2 Peter 1:11, all those who live faithfully in Christ “will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (NIV).

That prospect should brighten your heart today!

May we never go through what Stephen did, but let us follow his example in faithfulness, boldness, and Christ-likeness.
G. Campbell Morgan