Josiah Road

Ready…Set…Wait?

posted by Daniel Blackaby 30May

Have you ever had opportunities to see different parts of the world? I’ve been fortunate to have experienced many different cultures. I’ve stood in the shadows of the Athenian Parthenon, gazed down from the Eiffel tower, sailed the Amazon River, and safaried into the African wilderness. But all these amazing places have had one thing in common: hopelessness. Ever seen the slums? If so, you can relate that they break your heart. I’m always filled with conviction, “I need to do something!” I long to rush out and start making a difference. However, God has been convicting me lately of the question, “Who has the power to change this world?”

The disciples had a similar experience. In their day Christianity didn’t exist yet, the Gospel message had never been preached, and Jesus had just been crucified. Talk about a hopeless world! However, Jesus rose from the dead and reappeared among them. They were stoked! I’m sure they wanted to run outside and start saving souls! I envision the scene like my New England Patriots, right before the Super Bowl. All the disciples hollering and cheering, high-fives all around, Peter and John bumping chests, with loud 15 AD Israelian pump-up music blaring.

But Jesus told them, “Wait” (Acts 1: 4-8). Can’t you picture Peter, “Um, Jesus. Sure you’re thinking straight? I mean, you did just like rise from the dead and everything, must have been a pretty trippy experience. There’s a whole world out there that needs our help.” Yet Jesus told them again to be patient.

Seems odd doesn’t it? After all, these men had dropped everything to follow him and faithfully listened to his teachings for almost four years. If anyone in the world was capable for this task, it was this group of men. So why wait?

It’s because, as Jesus knew, without the Holy Spirit they possessed no power at all to change lives. Didn’t matter how qualified they were or how noble their intentions; only the power of God in them would make a difference. And it did. After they spent time in prayer, they received the Holy Spirit and three thousand were saved during the first sermon alone! (Talk about making up for lost time!)

I have to ask myself, what do you think that means for us today? I think we often get distracted by the need, and forget the source of power. I’ve grown up in a strong Christian family, attending church regularly. I know Sunday School answers like multiplication flashcards (ok, bad example…) and feel I’m pretty qualified to make a difference. Intentions are good, I’m doing it for God, but I often leave him out of the planning. Are we trying to reach people for Christ? Are we spending quality time in prayer and in our Bible, asking God what His plan is, and allowing Him to guide us? I’ve been encouraged not to rely on my own flesh; it’s weak (Phil 3:3) and not to forget that only the power of Jesus IN us can change this world.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the Earth. Acts 1:8