The Eyes that See the Truth

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 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. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:54-56).

Stephen was surrounded by enemies. They were enraged at his testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. They were offended by his declaration that they were hard hearted and stubborn like their fathers who rejected the prophets and disobeyed God’s Word. Finally, they were provoked to attack him by his affirmation that they had murdered the Messiah! Things looked bad for Stephen, but he saw something different. The Holy Spirit empowered Stephen to see through these threatening circumstances, beyond the impending attack, and straight through to the reality of his situation... “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Because Stephen was “full of the Holy Spirit”, he was able to see through the eyes that see the truth.

The Holy Spirit raises our gaze toward heaven. When we’re under fire, it’s not easy to see beyond the immediate threat. We need God’s help to remind us of our final destination and that in Christ, in the end, we win… “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful” (Revelation 17:14). When we remember that we are being prepared for heaven we begin to see how God is working in the present trials for our good… “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Evidence that we are born again of the Spirit of God is an increasing ability to discern how God is using present trials to prepare us for heaven.

The Holy Spirit refocuses us on the glory of God. Tough times tend to take our eyes off of our primary life purpose, to glorify God… “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). The Holy Spirit will remind us, just as He reminded Stephen, that sometimes, our gravest trials produce the greatest glory for God. Stephen not only saw God’s glory, He would soon be ushered into the glorious presence of His Savior… “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:24-26). In giving Stephen a glimpse of God’s glory, the Spirit empowered him to forgive his attackers and give a marvelous Christ-like testimony to those looking on. Among the witnesses was a young man named Saul who would remember Stephen’s life-changing testimony many years later. Evidence that we are maturing disciples is an increasing hunger for the glory of God.

The Holy Spirit reminds us of the authority of Jesus. In the shadow of his accusers, Stephen saw… “the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God”. This is the symbolic position of authority and reminded Stephen that it was Christ who was in charge of this whole event. He remembered Jesus’ testimony and commission and found the strength to share the grace and mercy of Christ with his attackers… “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-19). The Holy Spirit helped Stephen to see that this trial and execution was in truth a demonstration of and an invitation to discipleship. Though the council did not get it, some in the crowd (Saul?) were convicted by Stephen’s testimony. Evidence that we are true disciples of Christ is an increasing trust in the authority and sovereignty of Jesus over every moment of this temporal life.

As we grow up into Christ, and we strive to be full of the Holy Spirit, He gives us…

The Eyes that See the Truth.