Why do we stand up? Sometimes the reason is simple. Perhaps we need to move, or the meal is over. But do we ever stand up for somebody? Grandpa walks into the room, and we stand up to give her a hug. Grandma gets to the restaurant late, and we stand up to greet her. If we value someone in our lives, we honor them, often by standing up.
Twice in the book of Hebrews, we read that when Jesus’ work was finished, He sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12). The idea is that Jesus’ work was finished; there was nothing else to do. His work was done. However, when we read Acts 7:55, we read that Jesus stood up. Why did He stand up? His servant, Stephen, had faithfully delivered a necessary yet difficult message to the Jewish leaders. Stephen was about to be murdered by these religious men. This wasn’t a dignified execution by principled officers of the court. They brutally murdered Stephen with an enraged mob. Stephen knew this, but he delivered the message anyway. He loved Jesus more than life itself. Stephen had stood up for Jesus. Jesus valued Stephen and his love. So, Jesus stood up.
What did Jesus’ standing up communicate to Stephen? Stephen was about to undergo a great deal of suffering, but it would end. Jesus would take care of Stephen in a way no earthly king could. Stephen knew that the attention of Heaven was focused on him at that moment. In God’s eyes, what Stephen was doing and suffering was a big deal. Heaven valued Stephen and his faithfulness. So, the Master stood up.
This same King can be our King today. When His children suffer, Jesus suffers with them. When they are rejected and mistreated by friends, family, and neighbors, Jesus feels it too. When they cry out, God reminds us by the example of Stephen, His people are important, and He has a plan so much greater than this world waiting for them. Jesus values His children today. Jesus will stand up for them too.
Do you want to be a child of God? Jesus went to the cross, suffered, died, and lived again. He did this to bring salvation to all (Titus 2:11). Do you want that salvation? Do you want the care and concern of Heaven? Sit down with me over an open Bible, and let’s study how to become His child. Let’s explore what treasures he has in store for us. They are not earthly treasures that can be sold for money, but they are eternal and start in this life. Jesus will stand up for you.
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