“…and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting…” Acts 2:2
If ever there were a flaw I see in myself, it is the intense frustration I feel when having to wait. I like to keep my hand on the pulse of “forward,” and so few things are more annoying to me than having to wait. I have always heard that good things come to those who wait, and I personally know this to be true…
Jesus had just ascended. The days after the glorious return to heaven were filled with danger, speculation, and fear. Beyond the catastrophic memories of the crucifixion, the old folks’ tales of a borrowed grave and a few appearances, the world is beginning to go back to “normal.” Gossip bloggers are covering different stories, and zealots are now being ridiculed as conspiracy theorists and wildly sought after as lewd and problematic.
Nothing fuels a movement like controversy, however. Converts who would follow the teachings of Jesus have begun to publicly declare their allegiance by the droves. The church, as they knew it, was being severely affected. And those in power were extremely unhappy about it. The more persecution they experienced, the more their hearts were pricked to share their truth with others. Finally, decrees were passed that any followers of “The Way” openly expressing love for this curious Jesus were to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Followers began to meet secretly in homes, in basements, and in caves, passionately churning their love for the Master. And they continued to grow…silently, yet steadily…
Leaders of this new “way” clinched right in their hearts to the promise that Messiah had given them. “But The Comforter, which is The Holy Ghost, whom The Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you…” (John 14:26) “I send the Promise of my Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be ensued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth.” It was their hope; it was their sobriety; it was the driving force in the midst of all the chaos surrounding them.
Fifty days…fifty days after the unprecedented death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah, when they were all secretly gathered together in unison praising God, something happened. It happened in them first…individually, they all experienced the life changing indwelling of the Holy Ghost, who was promised. Outwardly, they all knew that each one was different, and there was evidence of it. They collectively experienced a sound that permeated the fears, worries, and doubts. It bombarded them in the space they were sitting.
Have you ever sensed the frustration of waiting? Have you ever been waiting on a promise that just seems as if it refuses to come? Are you hanging on with all of your might because there is a promise hanging over your head? Take courage! Habakkuk reminds us that the vision – ANY vision – is for an appointed time. But at the end, you won’t have to speak. IT will speak for itself. Don’t die while you’re waiting. It’s about to happen!
The Traveler Weekly 