Ascension Day: Daniel Fast, Day 39

Today is Ascension Day. Jesus completed his earthly ministry on this day and departed into the clouds as his disciples watched. Such was their astonishment that they continued to look into the skies after he was clearly out of eye sight. Angels appeared and asked them what they were looking for - and told them he would return, just as he had departed. Clearly, that has not yet happened, and we wait for it, patiently.

But what did Jesus tell them they should do? They had walked with him during his 3 years touring Israel, had seen his miracles, had performed miracles in his name, and had watched the people and authorities reject, mock and crucify him. They witnessed his resurrection and spent roughly 39 days with him, learning about all of the things he had tried to tell them while he was on earth...things they could not comprehend. Now he had left them again, but what was their mission?

He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Wait. Can you imagine 10 days of waiting in the Upper Room? Wait. Most of us cannot wait for the Netflix instant movie to finally load on our t.v., but wait for 10 days for the power Jesus promised? In fact, Jesus said, "...in a few days." How many of us would give up after 5 or 6 days, since that is clearly an eternity beyond "a few"? Wait. This is the theme of the deep Christian life. There is no substitute, no shortcut, no microwave route.

When you're wondering why, after perhaps a decade or two of waiting, you have not yet received what God has promised, remember that there is no suspense to the command, "Wait." It is on-going. In fact, we are told in many instances to "wait patiently." And we're told in the meantime to "be alert." In other words, waiting is not a passive act. It is an activity. Waiting on the Lord means that we are occupied with the waiting. We don't just go off and watch t.v. or get a job or go to the park, but we wait with alertness, patience and intensity.

Will you wait for Pentecost? Not necessarily the day, but the event? Do you even desire to be "clothed with power from on high"? Wait. Wait actively. Wait patiently. Wait with anticipation and alertness. But wait. Good things come to them that wait...