After - Day 31

So after the ascension of Jesus, they went back to pray, united in their experience, and the room was filled with more than simply the disciples. There were many followers around. 
This tells us a few things about that early expression of the church. It tells us that they were not exclusive to just the men who were designated as disciples. No, there were women, and a diversity of ethnicities around them as well. This was not a monolithic culture, but the kingdom of God has always been filled with those who follow Jesus, regardless of where they come from. Secondly, they thought it efficacious to come together in prayer as their first priority when they were in crisis or had experienced a particularly difficult time. 
Jesus had just left, he had ascended into heaven, so to come together in prayer was not only an appropriate response, but perhaps something that we should think more about when we are facing a trying time. There is no doubt that we should come together in prayer before life gets crazy so that our instinct is one of prayer and thanksgiving first, rather than as a response to crisis.

But how would you feel when you watch your best friend leave and move on to another place? It had to be hard for them to watch and experience. Their instinct was to come together in community and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as to what their next moves were to be. I wonder how often that is our first instinct as well? 
The fact that the family of Chirst was present is an interesting point to consider. Why were they all there? What were they expecting? Or were they there because they knew that it was the last time they would connect with Jesus at all? What was the motivation for them to all be there together?

We don’t hear much more about the brothers of Jesus, and we don’t really hear about Mary either. But what we do know is that they were there at the end of Jesus’ time on earth. This should be noted. Even though family can be difficult, and we all have those family members, or we are those family members; we should not underestimate the power of family in our lives. And we should seek to build strong relationships, even when it is difficult.
We have never known the dynamics of the relationship that Jesus had with his family, but we can acknowledge that they were there when he left. As such, maybe we should be present for big things in the lives of those around us that we call family.

1. Are you close with your family? 
2. How can you be closer? 
3. How do you come united in prayer when things get rough. 
4. What can you do to make sure you are with those around you who are having a tough time?