And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost. —Acts 6:5
Something happened in the life of this man [Stephen], chosen for menial service, and he became mighty for God.
As I read about Stephen in Acts 6 and 7, I have a vision of this scene in every detail—the howling mob with their vengeful, murderous spirits ready to devour this holy man; and he, “being full of the Holy Ghost,” gazing steadfastly into heaven. From his place of helplessness, he looked up and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.”
Is that the position that Jesus went to take?
No!
He went to sit at the right hand of the Father; but in behalf of the “first martyr,” in behalf of the man with that burning flame of Holy Ghost power, God’s Son stood up in honorary testimony of him who, called to serve tables, was faithful unto death.
This man chosen for an ordinary task but filled with the Holy Ghost was so moved upon by God that he finished his earthly work in a blaze of glory, magnifying God with his last breath. Friends, it is worth all to gain that spirit. What a divine ending to the life and testimony of a man that was “chosen to serve tables.”
Lord Jesus, fill me with faith and the Holy Spirit,
that I might blaze with Thy glory like Stephen,
no matter what I face in life. Amen.
