We stand for our children to cheer them on at events. We stand and give a round of applause to a great performance. We stand on the sidelines and cheer those running road races. We stand when we sing the National Anthem.

We stand when something is worthy.

We stand when something is honorable.

We stand when something is heroic.

We stand for the underdog when we know how hard they worked to get to where they are.

After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God –Mark 16:19/NIV

When Christ ascended into Heaven, He took his rightful place at God’s right hand. He took a seat symbolizing the finished work of sacrifice for all sins for all mankind once and for all.

When Stephen was being stoned, he was given a vision of his final destination, and it was glorious.

But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” –Acts 7:55-56/ESV

Christ was standing.

Could it be that Christ was cheering Stephen on, standing out so Stephen could keep his eyes on his Glorious Master, or simply in awe of someone who spoke to a crowd, some of whom may have been at the crucifixion, giving this crowd another chance to follow Christ?

For whatever reason Christ stood, he stood.

And I believe He stands for every believer suffering for the Name’s sake. For the unspeakable ways His body on earth suffers on His behalf. For the humble works done privately and publically in His name that are overlooked and at times scoffed at. For the times He heals others of their sins and wounds that they may run their race. For the times innocent blood is shed and for the times the “lost cause” decides to have a change of heart and wear the name of Christ rather than the old name of shame.

And Saul, who stood by consenting was not changed in the moment, but at a later time was given his own vision of the Lord. Stephen paved the way for the greatest apostle of the first century, and possibly ever to bear the Name without shame that others be given a chance to come into the beautiful body of Christ.

Christ stands for His own whether they are recognized with human eyes or not.

Amazing!