Showing Us He’s in Control

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at [Stephen]. 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. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Acts 7:54-56

What is your favorite way to picture Jesus? Is it baby Jesus lying in a manger? Miraculous Jesus walking on water? Loving Jesus sacrificing his life on the cross? Victorious Jesus exiting a tomb? Many biblical pictures of Jesus may bring us comfort at various times of our lives. When I am troubled by my sins, the image of Christ paying the price on the cross brings relief. When I’m attending a funeral, Jesus walking out of the tomb helps to dry the tears. But what about when you’re being persecuted? What Jesus do you want to see when your co-worker gives you the jab of being a Jesus freak? When your Easter Instagram or Facebook post gets a nasty comment? When your relatives are “furious” or “gnash their teeth” at you because of your religious convictions. What Jesus do you want to see, then?

We may not find it very comforting to picture a swaddled baby when we’re being attacked for our faith. But King Jesus? Well, that’s a different story. And that’s a picture the Bible gives us of Jesus right now. Right now, Jesus is “standing at the right hand of God.” Right now, Jesus is in a position of authority, ruling all things for your benefit. Right now, Jesus has every enemy of his people under his feet. When we feel we are being overcome by this broken world, remember what Jesus showed Stephen: he is in control. May that truth reign in your heart.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 695)

Take my heart it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Amen.