By The Fireside: A Second Story Christian

“And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.”

Mark 14:15

What’s so significant about a two-story house? As a two-story homeowner, I’d say, STAIRS for one, a smaller foundational footprint for two, and the necessity of owning a ladder for three!

The upper rooms of houses have a special mention in the New Testament. The Last Supper was served and eaten in an upper guestchamber as the Gospels recount.

“And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.” (Luke 22:11-12″

The popular use of the upper story of a house is for private living areas. According to a modern house design website:

“Two story house plans (sometimes written “2 story house plans”) are probably the most popular story configuration for a primary residence. A traditional 2 story house plan presents the main living spaces (living room, kitchen, etc) on the main level, while all bedrooms reside upstairs. A more modern two story house plan features its master bedroom on the main level, while the kid/guest rooms remain upstairs.” (Source: http://www.houseplans.com)

In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit descended on 12 believers praying on the 2nd floor, privately.

“And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.” Acts 1:13

These 12 (plus Matthias, chosen later in the chapter) were endued with power from on high a week after Jesus Christ’s ascension into Heaven. They had been instructed to wait for it (Luke 24:29), and so they lodged together, praying, worshiping, praising and blessing God. Then it happened:

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:2)

What happened upstairs came downstairs. The private devotions with Christ effected public demonstrations for Christ. The secret practices were shouted from the rooftops. The secluded ‘Holy of Holies’ was opened for all to see and marvel.

We need more second-story Christians. Christians who are real. The bed, the nightstand, the closet, all dedicated to God. The end of the day dedicated to God as much as the dawn of it. If you love Jesus Christ when the door of your room is closed, you will be bold for him when the door of opportunity opens.

Let’s quit putting on a show. Let’s do right in private, for God is always watching. And then perhaps our house will become a home as the Holy Ghost fills “all the house….”