The Church has just finished the Easter Season, the 40 days between the Resurrection and Christ ascension. During this 40 days the Church is reminded of what Jesus taught and said concerning who He was, why He came, what our mission is about, and that He will come again. Through these 7 Sunday’s of Easter this you have been reminded.
Last Thursday was Ascension Day and it began the 10 day period between the Ascension of our LORD and the Day of Pentecost. This period signifies the waiting period before the coming of the promised Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples to go and wait, do not leave Jerusalem until you are baptized with the Holy Spirit. His disciples followed His instructions and returned to Jerusalem to wait.
The scripture is clear about what went on during this “waiting” period. The 11 disciples, the women who followed Jesus, his mother and brothers all gathered. There were 120 who gathered in the upper room to wait. Verse 14 of chapter one says that they were of “one mind.” This is certainly a change. The disciples had argued continually during Jesus’ ministry. But something had changed. Now they were of “one mind.” The scriptures give us a hint of that change when it states that they were, “devoting themselves to prayer continually.” On their return to Jerusalem and the upper room to wait, they prayed continually. They sought out the LORD in prayer. They did take care of one bit of business and that was replacing Judas who had betrayed Jesus. Casting lots it fell to Matthias to fill out the 12.
But I want to go back to this “of one mind” and “continually praying.” Jesus, after His ascension, could have immediately chosen to send the baptism of the Holy Spirit to those gathered in the upper room, but instead He chose to wait. Wait 10 days! During this time of continual prayer the disciples became of one mind in what Jesus had called them to do. Peter is very clear on this in the latter verses of chapter one.
When the Church gathers together and continually prays together, I believe that is the recipe for one mindedness in Christ Jesus. Prayer keeps satan at bay. Prayer unites the body. Prayer brings wholeness, oneness, and a spirit of unity. When prayer is missing as one of the center pieces the Church, you will find conflict and disharmony. Prayer is not only for the Pastors or just the church leadership, it is for the entire body to be involved and connect with God in unity, one body, the church.
Wait and Pray! We can take a lesson from the early church and take a moment to stop our busy lives, tarry, wait upon the LORD, and pray. Paul tells us that those who wait upon the LORD renew their strength. It is absolutely one of the most important aspects of our life as a Christian. Without it, watch out, conflict is just around the corner.
Oh, and one more thing, on day 50, following His resurrection Jesus fulfilled His promise and the Holy Spirit descended as flaming tongues of fire and rested on them. Praise God! Praise God!
Blessings my friends,
Pastor marty.