They were all together in one place

Today's reading: Acts 1-4

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Acts 2:1 NRSV

The Holy Spirit was expected and anticipated. So, the believers spent their time in prayer as well as replacing Judas. But the biggest thing is that they were all together in one place.

When was the last time all of the members of your worshipping community were in one place? When has your entire family been in one place? In fact, when have you and your immediate family all been in the same place lately for longer than a few minutes?

The idea that the followers of Jesus were all together in one place means that they had an incredible sense of unity and trust. They stayed together despite the loss (twice if you count the ascension) of their beloved Jesus. They completed the number of disciples, making their total back to twelve. They included the women who had been devoted and faithful followers of Christ. And they all spent time in prayer. Constantly.  They trusted that Jesus' words were going to happen. They did not waver from where Jesus asked them to stay. They did not wander from one another, try to cause division or conflict in their small group, or give up and go home. And Jesus never gave them a particular date for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He just told them to remain in Jerusalem.

Are you listening to Jesus' instructions? How about your family? How about your worshipping community? And are you and any of these groups spending time constantly in prayer?

God, I know that you will send the Holy Spirit into our midst. Help us to remain unified, follow Jesus' instruction and pray constantly. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims