HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 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 7:55-60
In dying, Stephen looked on Jesus. Just so, when my last hour comes — may my gaze pass beyond this world onto Jesus, forgetful of all around, absorbed in what I behold. I would know Him to be with me then, who died for me once, and who is risen now at God’s right hand to welcome me. The mysterious border-country loses all its terror, when the glory of the Lord changes its twilight into cloudless noon!
In dying, Stephen reflected Jesus. The accents of the Saviour’s prayer for His murderers, were echoed in the disciple’s prayer for those who stoned him. In death as in life — may Christ’s purity and tenderness, Christ’s meekness and magnanimity — shine from me. To my last moment, until I am with Him where He is — I would remind others of Him, my Redeemer and my Lord.
In dying, Stephen went to abide with Jesus. The luster on his face was no glimmer of a setting sun — but the light of the morning clouds which is lost only in the perfect day. Just so, may I overcome the last enemy, and feel my Saviour’s hand outstretched to receive me!
Whether I live — I will live unto Christ my Lord; or whether I die — I will die unto Christ my Lord; whether I live therefore or die, I will be His alone. My chief end is to glorify Him and to enjoy Him forever!
