Winter 2005
I Have Seen, I Have Seen
Jerry Hyde

Stephen is on trial for his life. His face is as the face of an angel, as he expresses God’s love for His people. It is as if the Lord is speaking directly through him, pleading for them to respond, to notice His heart, desiring to deliver. Stephen expresses what is not written in the account in Exodus, for there, the words “I have seen” are only mentioned once.

“I have seen, I have seen, the affliction of My people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them.” Acts 7:34

The people did not comprehend. They were too involved in defending their “faith” to hear the voice of God through His servant. The “Cross” is the revelation of God’s love to all who are afflicted by sin, sickness, and oppression. He has “come down” to deliver us. The people who heard Stephen were outraged at the suggestion that they, or their fathers, were responsible for the death of Jesus. However, they missed the point, as this same spirit prevails today.

I have “seen,” I have “heard,” I am “come down.” It was not hate that put Jesus on the cross. Rather, it was “Love.” Jesus came as the “Lamb of God” for the express purpose of going to the Cross. It is not a question of “who” is to blame. We were all bound by sin, and are the reason for His “coming down” to bring deliverance.

Because the Father loves each of us, He permitted the crucifixion of Jesus, for both Jew and Gentile.

“I have seen, I have seen.” Lord, help each of us to see.