In Max Lucado’s book, Six Hours One Friday, he
speaks about the disciples being paralyzed in the Upper Room. They came back
there after Jesus’ arrest and death on the cross.
John 20:19a - On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish
leaders,
-
Trained and taught but didn’t know what to say
-
Marched for 3 years but now they sat
-
As they looked at the walls of the upper room they also looked
inside themselves in self-examination
-
They could not forget Jesus and even though they fled, they came
back together
-
This was the beginning of the first church
Upper room futility
-
enough religion to come together but not enough passion to go
out
-
a little bit of faith but no fire
-
good people, ideas, plans, meetings, and intentions but the door
remained locked
John 20:19b-22 - Jesus came and stood among them and said,
“Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands
and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending
you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the
Holy Spirit.
Only one thing can change this futility – They saw Jesus and
received His joy, forgiveness, peace, and Holy Spirit.
The same is true for churches today. Be changed – seek the risen
Lord.
