WHERE IS YOUR FIRE? Acts 2:1–4.
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1–4.
The early church was baked in the oven of fire which became manifest on the day of Pentecost but never stopped. This fire came as a result of a group of 120 people of different languages, different educational and academic status who chose within themselves to be obedient by tarrying or waiting in Jerusalem; according to divine mandate. Acts 1:4 … He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the father….
We were not told how long they waited (although Pentecost means fifty), but their obedience paid off when …suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind. Can you pause a little and ask yourself when you last obeyed fully the commandments of the Lord. When did you last join the other children of God to wait upon Him and intercede or set the tone for the New Year? When last did you experience the move of God in your life? When last did you have time to read and meditate on the word of God and pray? What meaningful thing will you say you have contributed to the body of Christ since you believed?
These people experienced the fire and move of God in an unprecedented manner because they were not just there in obedience; none of them had a different heart. They were all in accord. Acts 2:1. Nobody grumbled or complain on why they should wait in the Upper Room. None came late or desired to rush home for family meeting. None of them complained that the time spent was too long. They were just content being in his presence. When last did you show up for the breakthrough prayers or be at the right place at the right time? Are you sure you have not wearied the Lord with your “I don’t care” attitude and absent-mindedness even while in the church? Are you a rallying point or a divisive person who throws hammer into a peaceful relationship or atmosphere in order to cause confusion?
None of these unlearned disciples was left out of the ‘fire’ because none of them allowed a different spirit but the spirit of Christ. None of them chose to be faster or wiser than God by doing it their own way. They all simply waited for the divine timing. Why have you quenched the fire of the Holy Spirit by running to man who cannot help you?
You have in the guise of looking for real fire obtained strange fire simply because you refused a simple command of waiting where you are. Why have you given room for lying spirit in order to cover up for your shady deals? Acts 5:3–5. The early church did not only obtain the fire but they sustained it because they chose not to miss the hour of prayer in the temple. Acts 3:1. How did you who started your Christian life as a fire brand suddenly become a dry bone? You that people will call upon before to come and pray for the sick has become prayer solicitor; looking here and there for those who will pray for you?
What is the way out for us: LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Hab. 3:2. If only as you read this short piece you will have a rethink, repent and connect with God in prayers, read and meditate on his word daily; connect with other children of God in true fellowship; determine to end all lies and excuses; live holy before the Lord and put absolute faith in your maker; the fire will be restored.
