Think about this for a minute. Don't you like to resist change? We all do. Now it's even become cliche to resist. I was reading this week through some chapters in Acts. Something really caught my attention. In chapter 7 Stephen is before the Sanhedrin.....these were guys who knew their Hebrew bible. They followed all the laws, in fact they made sure of it. Now Stephen comes along with the message of the gospel, tells them the truth, shows them how it is life changing, meaningful, and what they have all been waiting and looking for, and they stone him.
Let me show you what stood out......... "Stephen full of the Holy Spirit looked up and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God." What!? Standing...I thought Jesus SAT at the right hand of God...well he does. In fact this is the only time in all of Scripture that we see Jesus standing at the right hand of God. There he was next to God standing, saying....."that's my boy Stephen.......I am so proud....he's willing to give his life....."
What happens next...."the Sanhedrin, having heard enough cover their ears with their hands and begin screaming".....I can see it now all of them running around and yelling at the top of their voice, "La La La La."
Change is tough....even if it does make sense, even if it is truth, even if it does mean pain, or suffering, or life just a little different.
And when change comes....and we follow God's prompting, even in the face of those who are covering their ears screaming at us, Jesus stands.....smiles.....looks at God....and gives the standing ovation.
"That's my child, when none would follow they did, they proclaimed the gospel even when it wasn't popular, even when it meant hardship, they are willing to give their lives, their friendships, their pedestal......I love that!"