Genesis 25:1-34; Job 31:1-40; Matthew 13:24-43
Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:56
The enemies of Christ dragged Stephen out of the city and executed him by hurling stones and rocks at him. It was a brutal murder of the first Christian martyr. Yet it was not without hope because Stephen saw his future Heavenly home and he gazed upon his Saviour at the right hand of God. Like Stephen, all Christians have the assurance of Heaven as their ultimate home. Heaven is not a reward but a gift, which we did not deserve and could not earn. It was freely given to us the moment we trusted Christ as our Saviour. What a wonderful blessing. —Paul Young
Heaven’s throne ascending, death’s dominion ending,
Christ the strong to save! Now in glory seated. —Timothy Dudley-Smith