Monday, October 12, 2015

10-12-2015



 Good Morning All!!
    Acts 7:56; “And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
    It is a common event.  When someone comes into a room, you rise up and greet them.  It is a sign of respect, honor, and happiness.  We show respect by rising up and stepping toward them and greeting them.  We show them honor.  By rising, we are also offering them our seat.  We also show our happiness as we rise and go and greet them as they enter.  These are a few reasons that we stand when someone comes into a room.
    Our verse is a rare one.  This is the only place in Scriptures where Jesus is described as “standing” at the right hand of God.  Usually, he is “seated” at the right hand of God.  So what does this mean?  When Jesus is seated it is as the one who has the power and authority.  As Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, he rules.  He rules with all the power, majesty and authority that God the Father bestows on him.  Remember, Jesus is the Word and it is by the Word that all was created and is sustained.  It is from this seat of power and authority that Jesus rules the universe.  He is the King and the king never has to stand when someone enters; the king remains seated and the person who enters comes and bows before the king.  So why does Jesus stand in our verse?
    This verse is part of the story about the stoning of Stephen.  As Stephen is dying, he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  Why?  Perhaps because the King was getting up to welcome home one of his blessed children.  Jesus stood to welcome Stephen home.  Isn’t that an amazing thought?  The King of kings and Lord of lords stands and comes and welcomes the believer home.  Think of how great of love this is, the King rises up and greets the beloved child as he comes home.
    So how does that impact you, right now?  Just think, if Jesus loves us enough to get excited when we get to heaven; think how much he loves us right now!  As He anxiously awaits our arrival, He watches over us.  He guides us, guards us, comforts us and gives us the certainty of hope.  He wants us to succeed in this life, to make it to our eternal perfect life.  He wants us to live the life which we are designed to live; a life of love and contentment.  He offers us peace.
     We can live our life with the full knowledge that Jesus is not only waiting for us but is anxiously waiting, excited for our arrival.  This love permeates all of our life.  Jesus eagerly awaits our arrival.  His love moves through all of our life and all of our actions.  He waits for you with his love.
    Dearest Jesus, in your great love for us you are eager to greet us.  Give us the faith to trust in your mercy to sustain us, to trust in your grace to keep us strong.  Gather us around your throne and keep us safe.  Be with those who are lost and fail to see your love in their life.  Use us to bring your love to them.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Bret   

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