More than 500 people witnessed the risen Christ with their own eyes after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6). However, when the time came to receive His Spirit as He ascended, only 120 people gathered in the upper room, prepared and ready (Acts 1:15). Reflecting on this, it is striking that within just 40 days, over 380 individuals chose not to remain (Acts 1:3). This reality brings a sense of grief.
Perhaps these individuals were not as desperate for the promised gift Jesus spoke of much like the ones who neglected the gift He was crucified for. Maybe their time felt too valuable to spend simply waiting, as the reminder of Mary and Martha - the busy wins. The initial excitement that drew the crowds may have faded, much like the fleeting energy of a revival tent. They might have grown weary, longing for Jesus to act as He had before, simply waiting to see a grand show of miracles that would leave them more stunned than that of coming back to life. Or perhaps they took for granted the time they had left, as many of us do. I will commit tomorrow. I will pray more tomorrow. I will look for Him tomorrow. Some may have assumed someone else would eventually provide what was needed or firsthand experiences wasn’t as vital because information can be recycled. Not much unlike how many of us only get our daily bread on Sunday, or our deep biblical insight from a book.
Ultimately, only 120 people experienced Pentecost—the day that changed the entire world. Out of more than 500 witnesses, just 120 were present.
This disparity invited a deep reflection inside of my mind on the seemingly insignificance of spiritual baptism.
The first baptism, through John and water, represented repentance and belief—a declaration of faith. While it may cost you your reputation in some countries, and maybe even your families in others, it is more of an invitation to allow Christ into your heart. The second baptism, that of the Spirit, signifies empowerment and purpose, demanding a greater level of surrender. This invites Christ into your life.
Many believers settle for a mediocre Christian life, finding the first baptism sufficient. It enables God to work within us, at our pace, but the baptism of the Spirit is about God working through us, at His. (Acts 19:1-7) We become willing to bow in belief, but when true surrender is required—when it means dying to self-daily—many disappear from the upper room. The waiting can feel too long, the required sacrifices too great, and the world outside too tempting. Many days it's not even about fighting the world of sin, but the world of self too attached to sin.
Personally, I long to be the kind of believer who never leaves the upper room. I want the Spirit to continue its work long after the water dries, after the declarations fade, and beyond the revival’s end. You know the more I kept thinking of the difference between water and wind, in the concept of baptism, I realized water is dense and heavy. This density makes it appear bigger in mass. Yet the wind—like the Spirit—moves freely with low density. This is why few carry the oil, and many are seeking the anointing.
Revival draws a crowd, but it is endurance that attracts the Spirit.
This is why churches are overflowing, Christian concerts draw massive crowds, choirs are thriving, and pews are rarely empty—yet brokenness still surrounds us. The difference lies in what we seek: heavenly mansions or heavenly crowns. One leads to Heaven empty-handed, while the other allows us to bring gifts for the One who welcomes us in. The mansion is for me; the crowns are for Him. I want my hands to be full, but perhaps full hands also require full Upper Rooms.
Lord, keep me in the upper room with the 120.
Sincerely Selena
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