Paralyzed

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 wise today and always – seek the risen Lord.