Old Testament history moved progressively and providentially toward the Messiah. This span of time covered approximately 4000 years. The Old Testament Scriptures were compiled over the 1600 years prior to the incarnation of Christ, proclaiming with precision the character of the deliverer and the conditions to which He would come. Paul’s epistle to the Galatians tells us that “when it was the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, born under the conditions of the law, to redeem those kept in bondage to the law. They would be set free with a new identity and heritage, with all this being confirmed by the Spirit of His Son that they could experience a relationship with God as their Father.” Jesus came preaching and teaching that the kingdom of God was a present reality. His crucifixion would inaugurate a revolution that would allow His followers to participate and celebrate their lives in the midst of a new world order, no longer held prisoners by the present evil age. The one true God had suddenly and dramatically put into operation His person and plan to rescue the world and restore the cosmos.
We will pick up this story in the Upper Room. Using the metaphor of “rooms” we will unpack the events that happened, not over thousands of years, but in the span of one hundred years. What occurred would show the disciples that they were about to be living in a Spirit-driven age. These are the next posts, and in accordance with Scriptural pattern, the center one is vital to the others.
- The Upper Room. This is where Christ announced the coming of the Spirit, leaving the disciples bewildered.
- The Panic Room. The disciples were fearful and confused about the events of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
- The Throne Room. Christ ascended and was now the authority of the cosmos. What was to become of the disciples now?
- The Waiting Room. They were in a state of expectation and agitation until the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
- The War Room and the Banquet Room. Followers of Christ could now engage the battle with evil and simultaneously enjoy intimacy with Christ.