Pain brands the soul of our family this past year.
We have survived loss, uncertainty and great pain.
But, we find powerful hope from those who gathered at the first Easter service.
When You Need to Disappear
Lots of folks today may not recall the first Christian church service.
It happened in the Upper Room right after the first Christians roiled in trauma.
“Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:12-14
Is there any better example of how to survive?
Hunker down in a quiet place and and calm your nerves.
Gain perspective. Ask God for wisdom. Find power from a greater dimension.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1: 5
The folks mentioned above were facing previously unheard of trauma and astonishment.
So, they disappeared to an upper room.
The Upper Room in Jerusalem dates to the the first century by numbers of scholars.
Plaster fragments were found with Greek graffiti containing the name of Jesus.
Just below it is King David’s tomb.
What Really Matters
I’ve always believed that everything that really matters happens below the surface.
Like swimming, survival means focusing on a point of reference.
All of that splashing and thrashing distracts from gliding with legs and arms.
A good instructor shows us how.
‘Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me. Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”‘ John 16 selected verses
He became the ultimate reference point for saving power when he conquered death.
I take a lot of solace from the folks at the first Christian service.
They gathered regularly to sow seeds deeply into spiritual life.
They found power connecting to God in the Upper Room where . . .
- the disciples’ feet washing defined what the world needs now
- the Last Supper was shared
- the prayer before Pentecost unleashed the Spirit
Retreat to Empower
How many retreats do you need to …
- renew hope?
- receive strength?
- revive stamina?
Whatever happens in business, whatever happens with health, whatever happens with family can be endured and overcome with spiritual power.
That’s what the folks in the Upper Room did.
They saw beyond the natural world.
They were among the many witnesses (1 Cor. 15: 1-9) to Christ’s resurrection and they all have their unique stories of how spiritual power carried them through darkness.
“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” Simon Peter, 2 Peter 1:16-19
Base your faith on facts from these eyewitnesses.
Forget about all the imperfect people who claim to be religious.
They are flawed human beings like you and me.
Look straight at Christ and see the power.
How do you access higher power?