Reading: Acts 2:1
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one
place.”
Centuries later Jesus’ followers gathered together in obedience to
wait upon the fulfillment of His words, His instructions, His power.
When the time was right in God’s eyes for them to receive. And in
faith they waited together—in one place. No more jostling for prestige. No more
comparing one to another in rank or status or ability. At least not yet. Like
Israel under Joshua, their hearts were faithful to their new beginning.
“But you
will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth.”
They obeyed and they waited together. And they didn’t really even then
understand how this promise and command would become a reality.
But we do. We have the witnesses of church history and perhaps
personal experience as well. Yet how hard it is for us to gather together in
one place and wait. Our lives are
so scattered that we struggle to be still even when we know the plans or
blueprints or gifts or assignments before us.
Perhaps because we might see solo action as a responsible response or
step into the commitment as individual offerings—all partially good reasons—yet
when alone too often we stumble or fall short because of fatigue, or
loneliness, or weight of the cost, or confusion.
Sometimes we race when we need to be still and often remain still when
we need to act. Jesus sent the
Holy Spirit for us to walk alongside for insight and guidance. He gifts us with
family and friends and worship communities for fellowship and prayer and power
to walk holding each other up—together growing into His words.
Lord, help us to recognize when we need to gather and wait and
listen. Then guide us to live as
your witnesses in all circumstances—to live Your words as naturally as
breathing because we waited upon Your time.
Worship: Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth.”
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