Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Luke 24:49, “And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Background
When you have to wait for something, your full attention gets focused on the time when that certain something will occur. It might be the teenager about to get his driver’s license, or the child waiting for his birthday, or the expectant couple longing to see the arrival of their baby. Or it could be something a little more unsettling, like your “all grown up” child going away to college, getting the results from a test at the doctor, or an upcoming surgery. But one thing is certain: when the time comes, things are certainly different. Life before and after your driver’s license? No comparison. Can you remember what you did before kids came along? And if they’ve left for college, is that a whole new level of issues? And where health problems are concerned, the unknown and the reflections on your life can change your entire future. Now, Jesus told the disciples to wait in the city until God sent the Holy Spirit and clothed them with power from on high. Chances are, most of their attention and focus was spent on wondering when this mysterious promise would occur. But when it did, the wait was over. Everything was different.
Application
Jesus had said to stay in the city until they had power, and now they had it. So off they went. But what about us? We’ve got the same power that they had. The same Holy Spirit that enabled them is living inside each of us. So why are we still staying in the city? What more are we waiting for? Everything is different in our lives, or so it should be. Old things have passed away, or have they? Have you received your power from on high, but you’re still waiting for something else? Maybe you don’t even realize it, but it shows in how you’re not going. Anywhere. Jesus was gracious enough to open up the entire world to us as the destination for His power from on high. So wherever you go is alright with Him. But staying in the city is not. Ignoring what He’s laid on your heart is not. Asking Him to lead you is alright. Choosing not to follow is not. If the wait is over, what are you waiting for? That someone or somewhere is waiting for you.
Charge
As we seek Him today, identify what your city is, and look closely to see if you’re still waiting there. Ask God to make His power from on high powerful in your life today.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
