He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Acts 1:3-5 ESV

Jesus’ appearance strengthened those he spent time with during the short time before his homegoing to heaven. His encounters offered proof to the skeptics and opportunity to reconnect with his loved ones powerfully and compassionately. He resolved unfinished business. There was confusion about the meaning of the kingdom of God. Previous notions left the people looking for an earthly political or military kingdom. Not so. God’s kingdom is his spiritual reign for the transformation of lives through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. This awaited them in Jerusalem. Would they ignore his charge and miss out? No! They listened and complied.

Most likely, the followers with him in the Garden of Gethsemane the night of his betrayal and arrest later felt remorse. They slept instead of praying. Regrets. After Peter’s predicted denial of Jesus, he left and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62 ESV). He desperately needed restoration, but it didn’t happen before Jesus died.

Have you let our Savior down when pressed to obey in the heat of the moment? Be encouraged… Jesus always lives (Hebrews 7:25 ESV) to pray on our behalf, forgive, and restore… no matter what. 

I wonder if resurrection proof motivated the Christ-followers to take him at his word more than prior to his death. They obeyed his new instruction to receive the Holy Spirit! He freed them from their worries; they believed him with new boldness.

What has Jesus asked of you lately? Will you trust him and do as he instructs you?  Sometimes he calls us to wait for his fulfillment of an incredible promise.

Karen Sims