Jesus Said to Wait

The disciples learned a lot from Jesus. In fact John said: John 20:30 (ESV)

³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; The disciples were able to remember much of what Jesus said and taught because of help from the Holy Spirit. In the book of John, Jesus Himself referred to the person and work of the Holy Spirit after He would ascend back to heaven. (John 16:4-15) What I noticed as I was reading the book of Acts a few years ago intrigued me. Luke records in this book that Jesus gave specific instructions to His disciples, even though He said go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus said to wait. Wait for what? Wait for power. Jesus knew that the disciples would not be able to reach the world without help. He promised to send help, and Help came. Help came in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Here are the words that Lukerecords concerning Jesus' instruction:

⁴ 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; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

So…what's the point? If Jesus told His disciples, who had heard Him teach so much to wait….for the promise of the Father….which He had taught them about….then what are WE WAITING FOR?

Scripturally, if we are going to follow what the Lord said, we should WAIT until we are endued with power from on high. The power of the Holy Spirit is not optional equipment or an upgrade package. It is absolutely essential for ministry. Consider these Scriptures: Acts 2:1-4, 10:44-46, and then consider Matthew 28:19-20. The task of making disciples REQUIRES the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said "Greater works than these shall you do because I go to my Father"…it's now time.

What are you waiting for?