First Things First

It is an often repeated mistake among the people of God to think that with just a spiritual encounter or two, an agreed upon doctrinal statement, or an emotionally charged atmosphere, effective ministry with lasting fruit is ready to be borne. To act too quickly can be disastrous and hope of transformation in the long term exchange for shallow and temporary results. This is a lesson that the early church world learned before their impact would be felt globally.

An audience with the resurrected Christ for nearly six weeks led the disciples to pose the question to Jesus regarding the timing of Israel’s restoration, “Lord, is it at this time you are restoring the Kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) The response of Jesus and the following narrative of Acts 1 underscores several important principles for the people of God, anxious to make a difference.

Patience is necessary for the complete unfolding of God’s plan. “Is this the time?” is the mantra of a people anxious to get started. But, the timing of God is essential. As Israel was instructed to move only when the cloud moved in the wilderness, so we must wait patiently for God’s plan to unfold.

Clarity of vision is also crucial. The apostles were expecting the kingdom to be restored to Israel but the Father’s plan was the global spread of the Gospel. How often do we out our plans before the God-ordained vision of the Father? Without Divine power, we cannot succeed. It was the instruction of Jesus for the disciples to wait until endured with power. What a mess we will make if we try to accomplish supernatural things in the power of the flesh.

A God-ordained strategy is necessary. The early church was not to seek world salvation until they first experienced local saturation of the Gospel. Again the church should learn from them. Until we adequately touch our Jerusalem, our effectiveness in the world will be minimal.

Finally, the body must be intact. Every part is important and no one should be left behind. The apostolic number had to be filled with Matthias’ before progress could be made. The church must also see to it that the body is in place, each part doing its work and the whole moving together to effectively proclaim the Gospel.

Acts 2 is marvelous, but Acts 1 must come first. The outpouring of the Spirit on a people in disarray or without proper focus or godly patience will lead only to fleshly abuse of spiritual power and aborted effectiveness. Let us learn from the early church and prepare ourselves for all that God desires to do!