January 25, 2016:  SOAP #2244:   

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 1:14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Observation:  Jesus, the Passover Lamb, was in the grave three days, then was among them 40 days (Acts 1:3) before ascending into the heavens.  While with them, Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem until they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5) which happened on the day of Pentecost.  Pentecost came 50 days after Passover.  So this would leave about 7 days in between Jesus’ ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.  In these middle days the disciples and those with them “joined together constantly in prayer.”  During this time Peter called a meeting in which Matthias was chosen to take the place of Judas.  (Acts 1:15-26)

Application: “In-between times” should be times of prayer.  When I do not know what to do, I know what to do—pray!  Waiting time should be prayer time.  Obviously I do not need to spend all of my time on my knees with my hands folded and eyes closed, but I should be in an ongoing conversation with God.  I need to keep myself aware of His presence and be expecting Him to talk to me.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, after completing one assignment and waiting for the start of the next, help me to spend my “in-between” time in a keen awareness of your Presence. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!