DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE FACE OF AN ANGEL

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE FACE OF AN ANGEL

"And they (leaders of the Synagogue of the Freedmen) stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him (Stephen), seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses who said, 'This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.' And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel." (Acts 6:12-15)

Inquiring minds want to know. What does the face of an angel look like? I have never seen an angel (except my wife) so I have no frame of reference.

I do know that Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit and that certainly means something. People who are full of the Spirit of Christ have a manner about them that is attractive.

Stephen was under a lot of pressure. He was vehemently attacked for his faith and his witness. Yet there seemed to be a calmness that did not lash out at his attackers. That does not mean that he was a pushover. But he spoke with such wisdom and was so full of the Holy Spirit that they were not able to resist him (vs. 10). I believe that He was exhibiting the spirit of the Lord Jesus, who spoke truth but with a spirit that did not disrespect people. Even as he was breathing his last breath while being stoned, Stephen prayed, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (vs. 60). That echoed the words of the Lord Jesus on the cross when He prayed, "Father, forgive them."

There must have been a glow about his presence that caused people to stop and ponder. They still rejected his message, yet they saw in him something different.

I doubt that anyone will ever say that I have the face of an angel. But I do want to manifest the spirit of Jesus..

Love, Dad