Preparing the way

May 14, 2021 (Friday)

 

There seems to be a Biblical principle that as humans we must prepare. There are times when God asks us to “wait.” These times are times of preparation. They are critical for our development.

 

As we prepare we expect. I pray you are preparing for Sunday. It seems that the circumstances of Saturday color our perception of Sunday. Is your heart ready? Pack your helmets, because on Sunday you have an appointment with the living and life-giving God!

 

Jesus set the tone for preparation, “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me.” [Acts 1:4 ESV] Specifically, they were told the place but not the time. This can be frustrating for us control freaks.

 

The disciples obeyed. It’s a good thing because something spectacular is about to happen… not right away but it is about to happen. “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a sabbath day’s journey away.” [Acts 1:12 CEB] Jerusalem, at the time of Jesus, sat on three mountains. The Mount of Olives was outside the city and looked directly at the Temple.

 

We are then told, “When they entered the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying.” [Acts 1:13a CEB] This is followed by a roll call of the twelve… errrr eleven disciples. If tradition is correct this “upper room” was not a small thing. Eventually, we are going to see it occupied by 120 people.

 

Those first disciples, that created what we call “the church,” were like this: “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” [Acts 1:14 ESV] There are three significant pieces to this verse.

 

First, they were in harmony. The Greek word is a combination of two other words that mean “together” and “passion.” We like to create harmony by having everyone sing the same note. However, real beauty comes from complimentary notes, which create a whole. Some think the gist is they were of “one mind.” Think is that’s not what those Greek words means. Harmony is a better image than “one mind.” Trouble is harmony is more difficult to manage. For those wanting a “one note” choir, harmony is also uncomfortable.

 

Second, they devoted themselves to prayer. I have been asking the church to pray for two people every day. I’m asking the church to pray for two people THEY KNOW. This changes the picture. These are people who needs Jesus. Praying for them makes them our personal responsibility. This is not the general, excuse-giving “them… everywhere…” prayer. Be specific.

 

I think they were praying for the Holy Spirit. I think they were preparing themselves with prayer for the Holy Spirit.

 

Finally, notice the significant role of women. They were “together.” As in they were as much a part of what was happening, and going to happen, as the men. Enough said.