Perspective is helpful and important to appreciate context, beauty, and order. That is why at times as I have hiked around state parks at higher elevations, I would find a rock on which to sit and enjoy the view and contemplate. But perspective is limited and can be distorted. An inadequate lens will misrepresent the perspective, then important things will be missed, and the resulting attitude or action will be impacted negatively.
While reading Acts 7 I was struck by Stephen’s scenic view, and even more so by the impact of that perspective on his attitude. Stephen was experiencing physical violence, during which he was given a glimpse of Jesus Christ. His focus in that dreadful moment was on the perfection of Christ and the majesty of His glory. As a result, his expression was one of trust. He was redeemed by Christ, he belonged to Him and was His precious possession. This led Stephen to joyful anticipation; Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. This violent moment was but a door to a far greater beauty and reality to be experienced – the very presence of God, face to face with Jesus, his sovereign Creator and gracious Redeemer, in whom is no darkness at all. The One in who’s presence is fullness of joy and pleasures evermore.
With this finish line in view, we are called to endure the marathon of this life under the sun with all its obstacles and frustrations. If we don’t lose sight of the One who is our soul’s reward, then we can say with the Psalmist, what can man do to me? Yes, we can and will be “kicked.” Each one of us takes our turn on the blunt receiving end of people’s broken sinfulness – including our own. Rarely will it be at the level that Stephen experienced. So, let’s learn from his experience, because how he responded is attributed to his scenic view. He not only had a good perspective, but an accurate lens through which he was able to appreciate the beauty and context of his reality.
The light of God’s self-disclosure shines in our hearts and minds, illuminated by His Spirit, to help us gain Stephen’s perspective. And what does that look like in the harsh realities of life? Gratitude in privation, for God is good and gracious. Joy in adversity, for one is simply satisfied in the perfections of God and His Son, Jesus. And finally, Stephen’s scenic view was manifested in a spirit of forgiveness; Lord do not hold this sin against them. So captivated by the gracious forgiveness of His Savior, Stephen did not focus on himself (i.e., what they were doing to him), but prayed with compassion for those who were captive to their own rebellion against a good and gracious God. This is the power of a godly scenic view – the right perspective with an accurate lens. Gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.
Copyright © 2021 Grace Bible Church, All rights reserved.