“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1
Dear Ones:
After the resurrection of Christ, the Lord Jesus instructed the disciples to “…wait for the promise of the Father, which, ye have heard of Me.” (Acts 1:4) This promise of the Father was the “outpouring of the Spirit,” which would result in the baptism of all believers into Christ. God, who looks into the hearts of all men, and knows the thoughts and intentions of the hearts, was looking into the hearts of the disciples on the day of Pentecost. It is true that these “chosen few” were greatly loved of God, but it was not for this alone that the blessing of the Spirit came. The “fear of the Jews,” and the instruction by Jesus to wait for the fulfillment of the promise of the Father, had brought the disciples together, not only in a physical sense, but in a spiritual one. They were all of “one accord.” What was it that they were in perfect agreement with? Certainly, it had as its basis, the purpose and will of God. Why do we say this? The whole issue of this unity, and all that contributed to bring it about, was because of the work of God. Even though the disciples had not even the faintest notion of what the outpouring of the Spirit would look like, and the effect that it would have, they would together be committed to believing God for the accomplishment of it, for it was the will of God. There is no division or discord here…only a unity of purpose, motive, and means.
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he addresses the problem of “contentions” and “divisions” among the believers. Why is this so necessary? It is because of the same principle that we see operating on the day of Pentecost in the upper room. The Psalmist would put it like this: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! …For there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” (Ps. 133:1,3) The issue is that of true spiritual unity in the hearts of believers, and their consequent seeking of God’s blessing according to His promises, His revealed will. But what does this spiritual unity really mean? And how is it to be obtained, so that believers can be sure of God’s blessing of true life?
The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus: “…walk worthy of the vocation (calling) wherewith you are called…endeavoring to keep the UNITY OF THE SPIRIT in the bond of peace.” (4:1,3) Unity is NOT just being in agreement with one another. It is being in agreement in truth, and faith, with the Spirit of God. Spiritual unity is that which is given by the Holy Spirit to those who are in unison with Him, His purposes, will, and power. True unity, which pertains to the individual believer, begins with him being in “accordance” with God. It is as two or more believers walk in fellowship, in this unity, that the experience of the “unity of the Spirit” is known. From that point on, there is the blessed possibility of praying in the Spirit, according to the will of God, being persuaded that God will bless. Jesus spoke of this type of unity, as related in Matthew’s gospel: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” (18:19) This is exactly what happened on the day of Pentecost. The disciples “agreed” concerning that which the Lord Jesus had declared to them. Their prayer, in unison with God, resulted in great blessing. This blessing is amplified by the promise of the Lord Jesus: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” (v.20) Christ’s presence, in the bond of peace, is our highest good.
Dear Father, break down every barrier to true spiritual unity with Thee, and with others. Then we shall be able to pray effectively, and see Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad