Daily Thought for Sunday 3rd May 2026
“But Stephen, full of the Holy spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God”
Acts 7:55
What to say
Fan Heafield
Once I knew a little girl called Millie, she really wasn’t very brave but she did know right from wrong. At school she had a teacher who when somebody said something the teacher didn’t like she would simply slap the pupil across the face. Someone complained and the Head held a meeting and said to the pupils: “Stand up anyone who dares to say they have been slapped”. Everyone sat still but Millie shut her eyes tight, held her breath, made her hands fists and stood up. Slowly others stood up too. Millie believed she would be punished but more importantly she knew what she had to do.
This verse from The Acts of the Apostles is about the first martyr, Stephen, who was one of the seven who had been sent out to preach and show what God really wanted. The local Jewish people, and in particular the synagogue Council, were incensed. When they sat in judgement Stephen knew what he had to say.
We are told he is full of the Holy Spirit – note the present tense – but he is not enraged or violent but full of power, courage and wisdom. The reaction from those around, including Saul, was violent and Stephen was stoned to death. Verses 55–56 repeat the fact that Stephen saw heaven opening (perhaps a personal vision or a window into heaven). He was completely calm with an almost transcendental peace, seeing Jesus standing at the right hand of God; Jesus was not sitting but waiting to welcome and step forward to help Stephen. And Stephen finally prays: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
I have never forgotten the moment when Millie stood up calmly, though scared, and did what God would have wanted. God was there beside her.
Shall we pray?
Loving Father, give us the courage and wisdom to stand up for what is right. And fill us with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Fan Heafield was brought up in a Church of Scotland manse. Whilst always having God in her life it was renewed and given greater presence in the last ten years. She is currently Convenor of the Presbytery of Lothian & Borders’ Congregational Support Committee and a member of FAPLT.