“Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.” (Acts 5:12, ESV)
After Jesus, ascended into heaven, the disciples gathered in the temple. While they were there, the text says that many signs and wonders were witnessed. It didn’t happen on occasion. It says that these things were regular occurrences. They happened frequently.
Notice how the verse also says they were all together. They were physically present with one another. But there was also a unity of purpose. The unity that they shared was a unity of the Spirit. They were gathering for the benefit of the kingdom.
When God’s people come together, amazing things happen. I have witnessed it over the years. When God’s people are united, and the Spirit is present, nothing is impossible. The hungry are fed, people are healed, needs are met, chains of addiction are broken, and salvation is found.
Why are these things not seen more frequently in the church today? What has changed? God has certainly not!
Maybe it is a result of our lack of unity. Maybe it is a lack of our reconciliation. We easily hold grudges and we come with priorities that are more focused on personal gain than kingdom gain. As we approach the season of Lent, let join together in praying for the unity of God’s people. Let’s pray that we would be united under the banner of Christ and that God would use us in greater ways for kingdom good.
Reflection
- When was a time that you were part of something more than you thought possible?
- Why do you think we struggle to see some of the amazing things that are described in the book of Acts?
Prayer
Lord, you are good. Thank you for your presence among us, your people. We ask that you would unite us as the people of God. Lord, give us the conviction to set aside our differences and to be reconciled with one another. Give us a common vision for the kingdom. Amen.
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