A Vision Of Glory ~ Pastor William Kumuyi | DCLM Daily Manna 9/3/2015

TOPIC: A Vision Of Glory

DATE: Monday, March 09, 2015  

TEXT: ACTS 7:54-56

Key Verse: “And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).

It is better to incur the world’s hatred by testifying against its wickedness than gain its goodwill by going down the stream with it. We can see here the strength of corruption in the persecutors of Stephen. On this scene, men who became incarnate devils were ready to kill.

Stephen testified boldly of Christ before the Sanhedrin, condemning their crucifixion of Him whom God approves. This led to his becoming the first martyr of the Christian church. Here was an instance of the outrage and fury of the persecutors and of the courage and comfort of the persecuted.

He knew his speech would enrage the council. Since he expected no prospect of justice at their hands, he fixed his eyes intently on heaven and sought justification from God. When they were cut to the heart and gnashed upon him with their teeth, ready to kill him, he received a revelation of the glory of Christ. The heavens opened to give him a view of the happiness ahead. God is always with His people in times of hardship, persecution and danger.

We need to depend upon God always. This will help us to fix our gaze on Him while we give appropriate, Spirit-backed answers to everyone who enquires about the reason of the faith of Jesus Christ that we uphold. Compromise during persecution rob believers of the necessary revelation(s) God would have granted to soothe their pain. When men threaten us, we should learn to fix our eyes on Christ the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Stephen served the same God we serve. And He is unchanging. If He saw Stephen through, He will see us through trials. Understand however that God has not appointed every believer to be a martyr; so, you may not die like Stephen. But the ultimate is to make it to heaven irrespective of the opposition and persecution we may suffer in life. His grace will be sufficient for everyone of us in Jesus’ name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 13 - 14

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Heaven is the sure abode of the triumphant.

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.