When they had entered the city, they went upstairs to the upper room where they were staying [indefinitely]; that is, Peter, and John and [his brother] James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew (Nathanael) and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas (Thaddaeus) the son of James. All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer, [waiting together] along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 1:13-14
Today is Memorial Day, a day to remember all those who gave the full measure of their lives for us to enjoy the freedoms and liberties we so often take for granted. Over the years I’ve found myself appreciating the true meaning of Memorial Day. Perhaps it was because when I was 7 my grandparents took me to Washington DC for a birthday present. I was mesmerized by the memorials and statues, but especially by the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier and the men that guarded it.
I recently saw a show about Arlington Cemetary and what it takes to be a guard at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier to honor thier courage, self-sacrifice and commitment. You have to be a member of The Old Guard Infantry, be between 5’10” and 6’2″ with a waist of 30″ or less and be willing to commit to 2 years and live in a barracks under the Tomb itself. If you meet those requirements, the real test begins, you take an oath not to drink alcohol or curse for the rest of your life as not to disgrace the memory of the fallen soldiers or the uniform. For the first 6 months you cannot talk to anyone or watch television. All your off time is used to memorize word for word 30 pages of the history of Arlington Cemetary and the 175 notable people buried there. You spend 5 hours daily preparing your uniform for the 30 minute rotations. Practice for months to learn the stride and posture to those who have been entrusted to this sacred honor.
Now compare the commitment, dedication and sacrifice of the average Believer to honor the sacrifice of out Savior and Lord Jesus and all the saints that have given their lives to further the kingdom of God. Are we willing to give sacrifice pleasures and comforts to help us prepare to be a better witness for the Gospel. Are we willing to consider how we live, what we say and do that might bring dishonor and disgrace to the Name of Jesus and worse, give others reasons not to come to know His saving grace.
Last Thursday was the day 1 of the the ten day period the disicples spent waiting for Holy Spirit to come. Today’s verse thells us they were preparing by doing three things, they were of one mind, seeking and learning to hear Jesus without Him being with them. They were of one purpose, preparing for Holy Spirit and devoting themselves to pray for those things. Holy Spirit came on day 10 because He knew they were fully prepared to receive Him. We are now half way to Pentecost, so let us take the next 5 days to prepare ourselves like the disciples in the upper room to receive the transforming power; so the church will be of one mind, one purpose and untied prayer. Then wait for Holy Spirit to revive us again.
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