Acts 1:14 (ESV)
All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
The elation of the grandiose ascension of Christ didn’t end with a halt. The disciples had to return but their hearts burned with the passion of their Lord which was translated in their unity. Imagine the chatter of excitement after we attend a grand event – what we saw, felt, and left with.
That burning passion carried them to the upper room about half a mile away from the pivotal event. During sabbath, they were only allowed to travel within 2000 cubits, which is about half a mile. In our terms, that is about 0.8km. Our MCO allows 10km distance (12.5 times more) which people deem too little. The disciples knew how to steward their time. The death and resurrection of Christ opened their eyes to the greater good and ultimate best that humankind will receive. They had no time to waste.
The majesty of God drove them into unity to pray – with devotion. There is a great divide to think of prayer, talk of prayer, learn about prayer with the actual process in prayer. In that short distance of travel to the upper room, they idle no more. They prayed. Together. With one accord. Devoted.
“One accord” in Greek – ομοθυμαδόν homothumadon refers to “with one mind”. There is no dissension of thoughts and feelings. Their focus was wrapped with the divine purpose. Folks badmouth churches as social clubs – a negative connotation in the eyes of many including our own Christians. In the true essence we are a social club. What does a club have and do? They all have a common goal and common interest based on a common passion. They gather regularly and continuously to talk and train for one purpose. We are Christ-club, gathered in his presence to talk and train. Not one time. Not some time. But constantly and continuously. Devoted.
“Devote” – in Greek, προσκαρτερέω proskarteréō means “to attend constantly”. It is working out of that effort with strong determination and perseverance. They remained true to that call in patient endurance and faithfulness, altogether 120 of them. That humble beginning of a small figure exploded the eternal cause. What a beautiful image of united prayer Today, as we devote ourselves in praying together, may our hearts burn with passion and purpose in one accord and persevere with the power on high given to us. Appropriate that power and arise in one accord to pray!
If we consider ourselves members of Christ-club, then we will be eager like the disciples in the upper room. Let us continue to press on. Ask for that continuous strength to sustain us. If we struggle to get to the upper room, confront our heart and get to the root of the spirit man – ask why? Face it. Deal with it with God. We wait for you in the upper room.
See you there!
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 5 May 2020