Wait, Then Go

Acts 1:3-8

Ever wondered what happened after Resurrection Sunday?  The book of Acts picks up with the events following Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

After his suffering, he (Jesus) presented himself to them (the apostles) and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.  On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”  Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”  He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:3-8

Jesus appeared to many people over a period of 40 days.  1 Corinthians 15:6 tells us that He appeared to more than 500 at one time.  On one occasion mentioned above, Jesus was eating with His apostles.  He tells them to wait for the gift that His Father had promised.  This was the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8 tells us that this gift comes with POWER.  While this was certainly a unique time in history, the principle of waiting on the power of the Holy Spirit is applicable today. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives Jesus’ followers power that they will not have if they go in their own strength.

Often, I confuse activity with obedience.  When I go in my own strength and my own vision, no matter how “good” my actions may seem, I eventually lose momentum and it is questionable whether any truly good results can occur.

Waiting can be difficult.  But we must seek God’s direction and His power through persistent prayer.  And then we must GO.

The final verse above instructs us that “WHEN the Holy Spirit comes on you, (THEN) you will be my witnesses.”  Then and only then can we be effective witnesses for Jesus.

Wait on the Lord, seek His will and His power, and then go in that power to be His witnesses in your workplace, your community, and to the ends of the earth.