The Reality of Heaven
When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 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.”
At this, they covered their ears and yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him…
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54-60).
At this, they covered their ears and yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him…
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54-60).
Stephen was not exactly lenient with the Council of the religious leaders when he was hauled before them. He boldly reminded them of the sins of their ancestors as well as their own sins, including the killing of Jesus. Needless to say, he infuriated them. They “gnashed their teeth at him.” Their countenance was one of cruel hatred and a strong desire to tear him into pieces.
Stephen’s whole being was filled with the presence of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
I believe this is why the Holy Spirit opened his eyes for a glimpse of Heaven. He saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
At the very moment when Stephen was being stoned, he was communing with Jesus, asking Him to receive his spirit and forgive those who were taking his life from him.
What a fascinating picture of the bridge between Heaven and earth! The Bible declares that the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. I believe the spiritual bridge between heaven and earth is a very busy one indeed. Jesus has His eyes upon every one of His children at every point in time. His eyes were on Stephen. Stephen saw Heaven and confidently spoke to Jesus.
Heaven is for real! Heaven is not a figment of our imagination. When we are truly filled with the Holy Spirit, the bridge to Heaven is never an imaginary one. We can see Jesus and commune with Him. In your most difficult moments, lift up your eyes to Heaven and commune with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is watching over you. Talk to Him. Heaven is a reality.
Stephen’s whole being was filled with the presence of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
I believe this is why the Holy Spirit opened his eyes for a glimpse of Heaven. He saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
At the very moment when Stephen was being stoned, he was communing with Jesus, asking Him to receive his spirit and forgive those who were taking his life from him.
What a fascinating picture of the bridge between Heaven and earth! The Bible declares that the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their cry. I believe the spiritual bridge between heaven and earth is a very busy one indeed. Jesus has His eyes upon every one of His children at every point in time. His eyes were on Stephen. Stephen saw Heaven and confidently spoke to Jesus.
Heaven is for real! Heaven is not a figment of our imagination. When we are truly filled with the Holy Spirit, the bridge to Heaven is never an imaginary one. We can see Jesus and commune with Him. In your most difficult moments, lift up your eyes to Heaven and commune with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is watching over you. Talk to Him. Heaven is a reality.
Prayer: Lord, I lift up my eyes unto you because you are the author and finisher of my faith. Help me to walk with the confident assurance that your eyes are continually upon me. Amen.