In Acts 7, Stephen - filled with the Holy Spirit - addresses the Jewish leaders that do not believe Jesus is the Messiah. He boldly speaks of the glory of God with grace and power. He gazed at the heavens and saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. This is the only place in Scripture I've found where it says Jesus was standing rather than sitting in His place of honor. Scripture doesn't say why He is standing. It could be that He's applauding Stephen for standing up for God and God's truth. It could be that He is angry at the people hurting God's child and is ready to pour out wrath. We don't know. Regardless, I so desperately pray my life is cause for Jesus to stand. I want to do everything and anything God brings me to - willingly and joyfully. That's my heart's cry. Anything God - He gets every yes. The Jewish leaders didn't like what they heard so they ultimately stoned Stephen bringing him to his earthly death. Right before he passed to eternity with Jesus, he pleads with God to have mercy on the very people who were killing him - just like our Savior - Jesus - did on the cross. His heart is reflecting God's heart in every way. We need to remember that Jesus died for our enemies too and be praying for them and for God's mercy to pour out on them. Jesus died so we could all have an opportunity to choose Him and have eternal life. Every single one of us are so loved beyond comprehension. God is just waiting, hand held out, for each and every one of us to grab on and rise up to our place in His Kingdom.
