April 24

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God."—Acts 7:55.

IN dying, Stephen looked on Jesus. "His eyes were beautiful, because you saw that they saw Christ." So, when my last hour comes, may my gaze pass beyond this world into another, forgetful of all around, absorbed in what I behold. I would know Him to be with me then, who died for me once, and who is risen now at God's right hand to welcome me. The mysterious border-country loses all its terror when the glory of the Lord changes its twilight into cloudless noon.

In dying, Stephen reflected Jesus. The accents of the Saviour's prayer for His murderers were echoed in the disciple's prayer for those who stoned him outside the gate. In death as in life, may Christ's purity and tenderness, Christ's meekness and magnanimity, shine from me. To my latest moment, until I am with Him where He is, I would remind others of Him, my Redeemer and my Lord.

In dying, Stephen went to abide with Jesus. The lustre on his face was no glimmer of a setting sun, but the light of the morning clouds which is lost only in the perfect day. Now indeed he fulfils the promise of his name; now he is crowned with the stephanos, the diadem of radiance and beauty. So may I overcome the last enemy, and feel my Saviour's hand outstretched to receive me, and, as another martyr said, rise in the dawn to meet Him in His own rosy east.

Whether I live, I will live unto Christ my Lord; or whether I die, I will die unto Christ my Lord; whether I live therefore or die I will be His alone. My chief end is to glorify Him and to enjoy Him for ever.