Meeting God in the Upper Room

Text - Acts 1.12-14

Acts 1:12–14 NKJV

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

The upper room

a place usually in the second or third floor of a typical Israelite house

the second floor was usuallt the place for relaxation, sleep quarters, and entertainment of guests

the Last Supper was held in a large upper room - Mark 12.14

Mark 14:13–16 NKJV

13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. 14 Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’ 15 Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” 16 So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.

Other mentions of upper room

Acts 9:36–39 NKJV

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

Acts 20:7–9 NKJV

7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. 9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

Upper rooms became places for religious activities

After receiving instyruction to stay in Jerusalem until the promise is given, the disciples went into the upper where they stayed. This upper room became a place for spiritual activities

a place for prayer - Acts 1.14

Acts 1:14 NKJV

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

a place of consecration - Acts 1.15-26

a place where they received the Holy Spirit and the power to do ministry - Acts 2.1

Acts 2:1 NKJV

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Main Subject

Whether as a people or as individuals, we need to have our own upper room where we can meet with God, and receive power from Him!

Why is this a necessity?

An upper room signifies separation from daily activities of life

Jesus often went away with his disciples - Mark 6.30-31

Mark 6:30–31 NKJV

30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

The upper rooms were made to separate living quarters from animal and daily activities

Moses and Israel at Mount Sinai - Exodus 19.23-24

Exodus 19:23–24 NKJV

23 But Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain and consecrate it.’ ” 24 Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them.”

An upper room signifies giving audience (entertaining)

Moses and the elders of Israel met with God - Exodus 24.1-2

Exodus 24:1–2 NKJV

1 Now He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. 2 And Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but they shall not come near; nor shall the people go up with him.”

Exodus 24:9–11 NKJV

9 Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, 10 and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. 11 But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank.

Your upper room is where you give time with the most important Person in your life - Jesus!

An upper room signifies filling the needs of the inner man

Jesus set himself apart after every busy activity - Mark 6:30-31

Mark 6:30–31 NKJV

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

Mark 6:46 NKJV

And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.

Moses received the 2 tablets - Exodus 24.12

Exodus 24:12 NKJV

12 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.”

The apostles received the Holy Spirit and the power they needed for the ministry

Moses’s face shone after being with God in the mountain - Exodus 34.29-30

Exodus 34:29–30 NKJV

29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. 30 So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.

Your upper room is where you receive the things of God!

Conclusion

Your upper room doesnt have to be a special room, or location.

Any room becomes special when God’s presence comes down to meet with you.