Jesus in the midst

We normally join our brothers and sisters on a Thursday morning for prayers at The Salvation Army Headquarters, Bishan. We are part of the world wide Salvation Army prayer chain.

Every Monday morning we join the Peacehaven Nursing Home Staff for breakfast followed by prayer meeting. Staff attendance is voluntary. Although we are not part of the staff, we are welcomed to participate. It's always a joy and privilege to join our brothers and sisters in Christ for prayer fellowship.

We always sense the presence of our Lord right in our midst. We are reminded of the promise given by our Lord which says,  "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

After the eventful days following Good Friday and the Resurrection a  group of ten nervous and fearful disciples gathered behind closed doors. There was no record of what they were discussing, but I guess they might be recalling the days prior to and after the crucifixion. Perhaps they were wondering what would happen next.

Suddenly, Jesus appeared in their midst.

Events happening in our region and all over the world give us concern, but let us have faith for God is still on the throne and nothing can shake it. He is our Creator of the universe and our Sovereign God is in absolute control.

I've been pondering over the phrase -  Jesus in the midst. Read John 20: 19-23 When we meet for Prayer and Christian Fellowship, our Lord is in the midst.

1 JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF OUR PROBLEMS

Problems confront us every day. Problems bring perplexities. It is comforting to know that right in the midst of our problems and perplexities our Lord is present in our midst. We are not alone.

Notice, He breathed upon them. The breath of God at Creation meant physical life, and the breath of Jesus Christ in the new creation meant spiritual life. We believers have received the baptism of the Spirit at the point of conversion and the daily infilling of the Spirit when we seek His presence. Life has its problems and perplexities, but thank God He is in our midst to share our problems.

2 JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF OUR PAIN

There are issues in life that bring us pain. For example, a dear friend of relative is suddenly taken ill or had a serious accident. Or we hear of someone we know killed in a bomb blast while on holiday in the foreign land. Or we might hear of a church member who has decided to give up his faith in God.

We share the hurts and pain of others. Our hearts are burdened with grief. We meet in prayer and suddenly our Lord appears - we know He is our midst to share our pains.

3 JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF OUR PRAYERS

My wife and I have our own private devotions in the morning. We also have our prayers together before we end the day. When visitors come to visit us, we end the visit with prayer. God answers prayer.

Sometimes we get the answer to our prayer immediately, at other times the answer is delayed. God has His reasons for delayed answers. There have been occasions when in His wisdom He has chosen to deny our requests. However, it is comforting to know He is in our midst to answer our prayers. God knows our needs and He wants the best for us.

Our Lord bids us pray. He has given us the promise. "Ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be open unto you." Luke 11: 9

Let us seek every opportunity to pray be it personal or corporate.