Promise

Nobody likes standing around, especially waiting for public transport or worse, on public transport – we like to sit. This is a fabulous passage, as it shows God’s humour in a mind-blowing revelation. How many times have we been told “don’t just stand there!” The disciples are being told the same thing, as they looked in probable amazement at Jesus’ ascension.

That time has passed and it is now time to wait, in preparation for what God has in store for them next, for when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and their work begins. There is a time for standing, but not too long. There is a time for waiting, in preparation by prayer for the next step. Then the work can begin, not in our own strength, but in power of the Holy Spirit.

This passage is capped with a promise. A promise that as Jesus departed, so he will return. At that time, we will not stand, but bow and kneel in his presence.

When we do not know what to do, we can stand for too long, instead of returning to basics and wait on the Lord in prayer. It is this time of waiting where God can prepare us for the work intended for us to do, whether in our jobs or our church work or in our communities.

Preparing God, teach us to not stand and root to the spot for so long that we lose sight of you. Help us to wait upon you in prayer; to be still and listen to you.

Today’s contributor is Mary Walsh, a solicitor and editor with an MA in Biblical and Pastoral Theology, and who co-leads a church in Radcliffe, Manchester.