Without Knowing
4 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. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4-5)
During the first year of COVID quarantine we learned that we wait differently. Some of us settled in and got comfortable - enjoying the forced respite from being physically present for all of our responsibilities. Others couldn't wait to burst through the doors to see any and everyone willing to meet up. Perhaps there was a similar dynamic within the group of disciples after Jesus' crucifixion - some were thankful to escape the throngs of people who would gather to see Jesus, while others couldn't wait to just get back out there and do something.
The disciples waited for a resurrection that they couldn't comprehend, and they had waited together in anticipation of each subsequent visit from Jesus. Neither those content to hunker down, nor those chomping at the bit, ever knew what was to come. They already couldn't explain or really even understand the occasional visits from their risen friend, and then Jesus' words about the coming Holy Spirit had to be as clear as mud. But at least by now they had learned to be obedient so, even as they looked up and watched as Jesus was removed from their sight, they knew they would once again wait together, and that Jesus would do what he'd promised.
Rather the uncertainty of tomorrow makes us want to hibernate or hurry to and through it, we can be certain that - although we don't know how or when - Jesus will always show up and Jesus will always do what he promised!
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
(Acts 1:9-11)
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