In Acts 13:36, Luke uses the Greek term huperetes. The literal meaning of this word is under rower. Luke is referring to the rowers located in a ship’s galley during the first century. If these rowers weren’t synchronized, one or more of the rowers could become counter productive.
Like modern day crew, rowing in unison with a group of people requires a synergy. To be successful, communication is crucial to simultaneously row at the same time. Individuals must do their job as well as have their timing down perfectly. Just as a team has to be on the same page, the church needs to learn to be synchronized with the Holy Spirit.
In the book of Revelation, the disciple whom Jesus loved devotes 2 chapters to messages of 7 different churches. While each church had a distinct problem, all of them had lost touch with the Holy Spirit. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, the church should resemble a well oiled machine, a body with individual parts all working in unison. However, as people drift in and out of churches, vacant spiritual gifts and talents can cripple the churches ability to function properly. Therefore, each believer must be synchronized with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, so that the 21st century church can complete their task by fulfilling the great commission.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 