February 2022
Nougat 22
One of the things that C-19 has robbed us of is human contact. Especially as the body of Christ. This has proven to be a challenge for some people, as virtual is not quite the same as reality. In today’s Holy Nougat
“They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.” Acts of the Apostles 1:14 NLT
The aftermath of someone’s death is rough on the community. For those who are related to the deceased; it can be hard. Back in the days of parish ministry, I’d tell my folks – even when we didn’t like the person death shifts things around. So it’s even worse when we love.
In the nougat, the people who were meeting were both family and friends of Jesus. And, while part of their motive related to comfort; they were also living in politically uncertain times. Matthew’s gospel noted that soldiers were expected to lie about Jesus’ resurrection (ch 28:11-14); and the very nature of the lie, placed the disciples at risk. They might have felt that there was safety in numbers.
We cannot neglect that had that been their original motive, both John and Luke present the fact of personal visits during the post-resurrection season. John even recounts a visit where thomas was absent and the impact it had on him. Having each experienced the resurrected Jesus, I am confident that no one wished to miss seeing him again.
Jesus had not just risen from Death; at the time of the gathering described in the nougat; He was already ascended to Heaven. But, Jesus had left them with a promise: that in waiting together where they generally assembled (at least in the post-resurrection era), they would be gifted with the ‘Comforter’; God’s Spirit sent by Jesus to be with them each step of the way.
As they waited, they encouraged each other; revisiting the teachings, the promises, the lifestyle of Jesus and also spending time together in prayer. One might argue that the Word does not mention the teaching or the promises. And to some extent, you are correct. BUT we recall that it was Jesus who taught them the rudiments of prayer; both by His lifestyle and in response to their request (see Luke 11:1-4). And it was His promise (Luke 24:49) of ‘power from on High’ that fueled their meeting.
In light of our current circumstances, war and rumors of war, uncertainty, famine, flood, pestilence (such as Covid-19), and unprecedented violence; it may feel like we’re living in the era of another set of promises. Jesus outlines such in Matthew 24. And whether we are able to physically or virtually meet or not; I’d say the signs of the time present a compelling argument for heeding Hebrews 10:25; to ensure that we make time for assembling ourselves.
Like Jesus’ family then; we ought to be prioritizing encouraging each other; revisiting the teachings, the promises, the lifestyle of Jesus and also spending time together in prayer. For as iron sharpens iron, we can sharpen and encourage each other (Proverbs 27:17). Let’s not get weary of studying God’s Word or praying for each other; especially those under threat of war, persecution, peril and fear. May God’s grace and peace be ours in this time.
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May all we seek be found in Christ