04/30/2026
Daily Bible Reading Meditation April 29th, 2006: Faithfulness is Always Seen
Bible readings for today:
Deuteronomy 16
Ecclesiastes 8
Acts 7
One of the most moving and easily overlooked moments in today’s readings comes from the final moments of Stephen’s life in Acts 7. As he stands before the council, facing hostility and certain death, we are told: “But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55–56). There is something deeply significant in that one particular detail where Jesus is described as standing.
This is quite interesting because throughout the New Testament, the Lord Jesus is usually spoken of as seated at the right hand of God, his work accomplished and his authority established. But here, in this one moment, he is not seated but he is standing. It is as though, at the very moment Stephen is being opposed and rejected on earth, the Lord rises in heaven. Not distant, not unmoved, but present, attentive, and fully aware of what is taking place. The one who had once been rejected by men is now identifying with another who suffers for his name.
The contrast in the record is striking. On earth, the council is filled with anger - “they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). Everything around Stephen is hostile, loud, and out of control but at that same moment, he lifts his eyes and sees something entirely different. He does not see chaos or defeat - he sees the glory of God, and the Lord Jesus standing. And that vision shapes his response. Instead of fear or resistance, he speaks words of faith and forgiveness: “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59–60). What he sees above changes how he responds below.
There is such a subtle but powerful lesson in this for us. Stephen could not change his circumstances, and he could not avoid what was coming. But he could choose where to look. And in looking upward, he was given a perspective that strengthened him. The Lord was not absent from his suffering - He was in fact aware of it, involved in it, and, in a very real sense, standing with him through it. And that gave Stephen the strength to remain faithful, calm, and forgiving, even in the face of death. Stephen was an incredible man of faith and trust in God.
So perhaps the thought for the day is this: when life becomes difficult, and when faithfulness brings challenge or opposition, we must never forget that we are not unnoticed. It may not always feel like it, but the same Lord who stood for Stephen is not distant from us. He sees, he understands, and he cares deeply about our circumstances. When we feel pressure, when we are misunderstood, or when we quietly try to do what is right, it is all seen. And when we remember that it changes us. It gives us strength to endure, grace to respond well, and courage to hold fast. “Jesus… standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56) is not just a detail in the record - it is a quiet assurance that faithfulness is always seen and never overlooked, and we can feel reassured about it.
God bless
Gregg and Vikki Ferrie
