In the last scene of the movie "Titanic", the main character, Rose, a survivor of the Titanic, has died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 102. She "awakens" as a teenager back on the Titanic. Those who perished stand and applaud her as she finally joins them and proceeds to the grand staircase to be reunited with the love of her life.
It's a very poignant scene, though many would argue it won't be like that when we die. Maybe it will -- sort of. A recent sermon I heard brought this scene to mind and made me think about how I stand up for my Jesus in daily situations.
In Acts 7:56 after Stephen tells off the Sanhedrin, he looks up to heaven, sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand and says, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
Which of course incites the crowd even more as they yell and drag Stephen out to be stoned.
What does that one short phrase mean? Why would it make us see things differently? Well, apparently this is the only time in scripture when Jesus or anyone is said to be standing at the right hand of God. (There are many references to being seated there.)
Why did Stephen see Jesus standing? Was it in recognition of his faith and his courage in trying to open the eyes of those who had rejected Jesus? Was it in admiration? In welcome?
We don't know. But wouldn't any of those reasons be wonderful to behold? To know Jesus was standing for you as you stood for him? Christ was willing to die for us. Each and every one of us. So why wouldn't he stand for us as well?
After hearing this sermon I really felt the need to repent of the many times I have not stood for my Lord. I felt I needed to ask for strength, the right words and enough love in dealing with people in certain situations.
There's a praise song called "Stand" and the chorus says, "I'm gonna stand up, stand up for Jesus. I'm gonna stand up, stand up all the days of my life. I surrender my all to you, my life, my love, my whole life through. As I stand, let me stand faithful for you."
I've been involved in a few musical productions where we have received a standing ovation. But imagine seeing Jesus standing for you. Maybe someday we will experience what Stephen did.
When we are reunited with "the love of our life" -- Jesus, perhaps he will be standing and we will hear the applause of heaven. As the song says, "I can only imagine."
Take ten minutes this week to ask how and where you need to stand for Jesus. Then stand tall and remember that God is there to hold you up!