Adopting a posture of readiness.
This is the week before Pentecost. It’s an important time as we adopt a posture of readiness in expectation for God to do something.
Are you expecting God to do something significant?
As you read the beginning of The Acts of the Apostles you see Luke remind us how Jesus spent time with His disciples after His resurrection. During this time, Jesus spoke about the need for His death and resurrection, teaching them about the Kingdom of God, and He (most likely) encouraged them for the journey ahead. As Jesus departed from them to be with His Father, His words ignited a hope in them that sent them to their knees.
“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
(Acts 1:5)
This statement reminded the friends of Jesus His earlier promise that the Holy Spirit would come, (John 14:15-17). The followers of Jesus who remained (about 120 who had not departed in fear) dedicated themselves to prayer – this was their agreement and partnership with God to see what He had prepared for them.
Our posture of readiness is found in our agreement and partnership with God to see His promises come. When we pray, we declare “heaven on earth”, thus agreeing with what God has already formed in heaven that is awaiting manifestation on earth.
In my mind, the baptism of fire and explosion of salvation in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) was no surprise to the praying followers of Jesus:
- the calendar was marked for a festive, special celebration.
- the people had gathered from far and wide.
- the scene was set for God to be glorified.
And so, the followers of Jesus prayed and expected God to move.
I’m calling the people of Zion to pray with a readiness and expectation that God is going to do something. He has promised He will pour out His Spirit, so I urge you to adopt a posture of readiness. That posture looks like prayer.