This post will accompany a reading of the book Acts. For today read Acts 1 and then read the reflection below.
In life, our tendency is to move about in motion until something happens. We suppose that by our frantic movements we will create kinetic energy enough to produce a result. And really, we feel good when we are busy, even if our activity is ineffective or inefficient. The first word of the risen Christ to those that would become the first church is not a dramatic call to action or a rallying of the troops. It is simply this: wait. Throughout the book of Acts, the disciples will move in this cycle from waiting to Spirit-inspired work. All of their work is grounded in rest, in waiting upon the Lord, because all of their work is saturated with grace.
As we undertake this great journey, Ecclesia, our temptation will be towards constant motion. But our work is rest. We rest in who God is, we wait for his promise, we pray for his will to be known, and his Kingdom to come. In the present, the Lord tells the disciples to wait but he pronounces this promise over them for their very near future:
v. 8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
We wait on the Lord because when we move in his power and promise, the results are guaranteed. We will witness his presence.
Comments