Why don’t the churches we’ve attended say the Apostle’s Creed? Also, hardly hear the Lord’s Prayer recited anymore. Okay, I understand that either one or both can become rote. Words thoughtlessly uttered. Meaning easily missed. Like furniture you no longer notice. Just there.

But here’s one phrase from the Apostle’s Creed –‘…Jesus Christ…he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty…’ Hebrews 1:3 in the Bible says much the same–‘After making purification for sins, he (Jesus) sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…’

Sitting down symbolizes Jesus’ finished work, as well as emphasizing His exalted position beside God the Father. But reading the dramatic story of Stephen in Acts 7, I note something different. Jesus’s sitting position gives way to His standing.

Standing? Yes. Acts 7: 55-56–“But he (Stephen), 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.'”

Jesus, who typically sits, is found standing on both feet. Why? What’s changed? The Bible doesn’t say. But that doesn’t keep me from using my imagination. Through my mind’s eye, I perceive a new wrinkle by someone whose face gathers more of the same!

Stephen recounts ancient Israel’s history right up to the rejection of Jesus the Messiah. Stephen’s about to lose his life. The religious higher-ups will stone him to death, but not before he sees something that’s out of this world. Filled with God the Holy Spirit, Stephen sees the heavens open and gazes up at Jesus, at the right hand of God.

No longer sitting down, Jesus stands on His feet, ready to pounce on the evil happening to His faithful follower Stephen. Jesus jumps into action, welcoming his devoted disciple into eternal glory. Taking the first step, not allowing Satan and his mad coterie one chance of victory. No. Jesus will triumph. For Stephen. And for us.

When we face the difficult, even the seemingly impossible, know that the Son gets up and stands for it no longer. He will not allow evil to have the final say. Maybe for the moment but then watch out.

Jesus stands on His promises. So should we. He’s geared up to help. Make room. Here He comes!

Thank you, Jesus, for always standing with me. Amen.