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.
In moments of great joy or trial or confusion what do we choose to do? The disciples chose well. For, they did not retreat to their own privacy or self, they did not return again to old patterns or habits or sins. They didn’t turn to worry or negative thinking or any other temptation. They neither tried to solve the situation in their own strength or gave up altogether. They also resisted the temptation to carry on as if nothing had happened, pretending everything was ‘fine’. All would have been understandable reactions. Yet they chose fellowship and prayer. The wonder of their decision and future lives was not that they prayed nor that they stayed together it was the two things together; prayer in fellowship. In the beginning God saw that it was not good for man to be alone. He made a companion. We are not meant to do life in our own or even just with God. He knows we need other people around us too. John 13:35 says, by you live for one another everyone will see that you are my disciples – what marks out a resident of the kingdom? A follower of the king? Fellowship. Not just a temporal friendliness but a deep sustaining love in the presence of God.
Question
Who do you have in your life that you can run too in times of joy, trial or confusion? What could you do to deepen those relationships and pray together.
Prayer
God of perfect fellowship let me know your invitation to be one with you. Help me love and be loved by my church family.
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