Thursday, May 19, 2016

Hindrances To Pentecost (Part 4) (Ac. 1:4-2:13)

THERE IS THE HINDRANCE OF PRIVILEGE (1:9-11).

Instead of privilege, how about we use the word 'blessing'? Can God's blessing be a hindrance? Read Hosea 13:5-6. Can a delightful or powerful spiritual experience be a hindrance? Yes, if that experience hinders you from pressing in for the rest of what God has in store.

The eleven apostles had received a promise and then encountered two men in white clothing. These two men were both seen and heard by the eleven apostles. Three apostles had already experienced something similar (Mt. 17:1-5). How easy it would've been to stay right there, camp out and not leave the place of blessing!

One of the greatest hindrances to what Jesus is about to do might be our preoccupation with what He has already done. Having just witnessed the Ascension of Jesus, who wouldn't have wanted to stay right there and keep on enjoying the afterglow? What did the two men say to get the apostles moving again? “Stop gazing at the sky! Jesus will return again. Right now, follow through with the command you were given.” (Lu. 24:49)


This doesn't mean that we shouldn't reflect upon past blessings, be grateful for them and then express that gratitude in praise.

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