May 3, 2026 Text: Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60
Dear Friends in Christ,
About a year ago Toni and I vacationed with Karson, Elizabeth and Asher in the Smoky Mountains. We had a house rental in the mountains. Karson and family were already at the rental as we made our way up the mountain. It was a series of hills and winding roads. We had no idea what was around the corner because our view was blocked. At some of the corners they had mirrors hung on poles so you could see what the vehicle coming the other way was doing. We finally made it, but only because Karson was standing near the end of the steep driveway. It was a beautiful house in a scenic location, but a challenge to get to.
The things of the world can block our view of God’s kingdom. Even as this happens the Holy Spirit is working to keep our eyes on His glorious kingdom, which will be revealed one day. As we consider the account of the martyrdom of Stephen, let’s think about . . .
“WHEN OUR VIEW IS BLOCKED”
Hills block our view of God’s kingdom on earth. The scribes and elders stoned Stephen because they could not see of the kingdom of which he preached. The disciples got weighed down and had their view blocked because they were serving tables and not preaching the Word of God. It is not unlike your Pastor’s view which has gotten a little blocked this year by all the building minutiae, when you called me here to preach and teach and administer the sacraments.
Stephen was one of the called seven. We know about him and Philip. The other men mentioned we don’t know much about. The text says, “Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” (v. 8). The Holy Spirit was allowing Stephen to preach and perform miracles. When that preaching reached the elders and scribes, they could not see the kingdom of which he preached because of the hills they erected before their own eyes. Their view was obstructed, and they lacked faith in the Son of Man.
Do the things of this world ever block our view of God’s kingdom of grace? How about caring for our child’s physical needs? Do they block our view of their spiritual needs? Do we leave their spiritual welfare to the church and confirmation class when the duty is ours at home? Are their false teaching and theologies out there they we might buy into that block our view? Do we watch a movie or read a book that don’t agree with the teachings of Jesus? Do life’s anxieties block our view of all our blessings? So, we don’t have hot water for a few days. Inconvenient, but not tragic. Can we see what’s ahead?
This is the beauty of the Holy Spirit’s work. He helps us to keep the focus on heaven. Stephen’s view could have been blocked as he took the pounding of the stones. The Holy Spirit gave him a view of heaven and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. Even with everything coming at him, he is able to commend his spirit to the Lord and to pray, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Those words draw us back to the words of our Savior on Good Friday. Then don’t miss this. Something good comes from this murder. Notice the young man witnessing all this? Who is it? In the text he is named Saul. After his conversion it would be Paul. This event changed the life of the Apostle Paul.
This happens to us. The Holy Spirit grants us a view of the glory of heaven, though it might be hidden under earthly things. The Holy Spirit preaches Christ both to parents who neglect their children and to the children through grandparents, God parents, friends, neighbors. The Holy Spirit sometimes moves faithful Christians to produce movies and books that give an accurate portrayal of Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit brings surprises out of anxieties. Blessings from curses.
In the Divine Service the glory of heaven is most clearly revealed. The glory of heaven is hidden under earthly means of bread and wine, we receive a foretaste and a fore view of the feast to come.
For the five days we were in the Smokies, we made that trip up and down the mountain several times. Every time the trip got easier and easier because we knew what was around the corner. The view was still blocked, but things had been revealed to us. God often accomplishes his greatest good in the midst of suffering and when things go against human reason. The hill of Calvary, on which Jesus gave up his spirit unto death and sought the forgiveness of his persecutors, is always in view. It has been revealed to us. We know what is around the corner – an eternity in the glorious presence of our Lord.
Amen