Character Quality: Security
Our security is bound up in where we place our trust. Do we trust in other people or things, money, positions, or accomplishments? What are we depending on? What are we looking to?
In Acts 7 we meet Stephen who was respected because of his wisdom. He was chosen as one of the seven to minister to the needs of the widows. In short order he come under the scrutiny of some men who stirred up other men against Stephen to the point that they lied about him.
Stephen was given an opportunity to answer his accusers. He then masterfully retold the story of God’s faithfulness to His people. He included the forefathers who where important to his listeners: Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon.
Then having recounted their own history, he delivers the punch line accusing them of being betrayers and murders. Not surprisingly they were incensed at the charge and started attacking him.
This horrible scene is simultaneously tragic and triumphant. Here in the life of Stephen we see where his security is found. Stephen is not trusting in man. He is not intimated by their criticism. He is not frightened by their rage. He is not panicked by the stones flying toward him.
Most would have backed down from their convictions, but Stephen kept his focus upward. He looked into Heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Not sitting, but standing. Wow! That is huge. It seems clear that the Son was standing and ready to come down on Stephen’s behalf if the Father would only send Him.
What a beautiful picture of the Son standing as witness to one of His own being persecuted. This vision granted Stephen some peace. He knew where he was going. He knew that his life on earth wasn’t the end.
Even as Stephen was dying, with eyes focused on the hope of Heaven, he pleaded forgiveness for those who were killing his body. Stephen was able to extend grace to his enemies as a result of his firm security in his eternal home.
We must live our lives like Stephen. Every day we must:
1. Keep our eyes focused on our heavenly home
2. Trust God and not man
3. Allow His peace to reign in our hearts and minds
4. Extend forgiveness to those who sin against us
We have the hope of heaven, which is eternal life, with Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. When heaven is in our sites, this world with all of its challenges and pain is better kept in perspective as temporary.
May we live in light of Christ’s love, sharing the gospel message, secure in our hope of heaven, and changing the world for His glory.
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