Acts 1:13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
THE PLACE OF COMMUNION
In Jewish culture, it is their practice to build a room at the top of the house for prayer and communion with God. Even poor Jews endeavour to build that small room so that they can have deep fellowship with God. An example of the upper room being used as a place of prayer and worship occurs in the story of Daniel, where he retreats to his upper room to pray, as it was his custom, even when a decree is put out to kill those who worship anyone besides the king, Daniel 6:10. Another example of the use of the upper room in entreating God’s power can be clearly seen in the miracles performed by Elijah and Elisha in raising the widow and Shunammite’s sons respectively, 1 Kings17:17-24, 2 Kings 4:18-37 . Therefore, it is clear that an upper room was common among the people of Israel, and that it was considered as a place of retreat and prayer, as well as a place where God’s power was shown.
Today, we may not be privileged to have a physical upper room but figuratively, our hearts can become the upper room that burns for God and yearns for more of Him. In the early church, after the ascension of Christ, the disciples retreated to the upper room. Why didn't they go to the synagogue? The answer is not far-fetched. God was about to birth the new testament church but not without men who do not have communion with Him in the place of prayer. God needed men with "upper room hearts". We can't do great things for God if we are not upper room Christians. The early church began in the upper room but sadly, some churches have become a "supper room" where they are raising men with supper room mentality. It is all about raising millionaires not disciples. It is all about fighting household enemies and imprecatory prayers no sound teaching of the word.
Supper room believers are moved by the perks, the acts of God but not the ways of God. "He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel."( Psl103:7). The acts of God are miracles and those things He does for our benefits but His ways are the secrets behind His acts. They're His principles. The moment supper Christians hear "It is happening here", they switch camp immediately. Always looking for someone who will declare powerful words on them and tell them "thus saith the Lord" but will never sit in the presence of the same Lord they desire to hear from. Why has revival eluded us in this generation and become history? It is because the upper room has been turned to supper and many that should have a upper room heart now have supper room mentality. God does nothing until He finds men with deep communion and those with a burning heart that yearns to see His glory.
Father, I receive the grace to have a upper room heart in Jesus name.