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Reflections

Easter to Pentecost

Part 5

We have followed the disciples for several weeks looking forward to Pentecost. We know their wait is about over, but they do not. Let’s check in on them and see what’s happening.

Joy in the Meantime

Last week we explored the uncertainty the disciples may have felt when they returned to Jerusalem following the Ascension. But that is only one side of the picture. In his gospel, Luke gives insight into another dimension of their lives:

Luke 24:51–53 says: “While he (Jesus) was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple praising God” (NIV).

Note the descriptive words: “blessing, worship, great joy, continually praising God.” This is insight we did not gain from reading the Acts account (Acts 1:10-14). On the one hand the disciples may be filled with wonder about the future—on the other they are filled with anticipatory joy because of Jesus’ blessing as He departed.

By combining the two accounts, we get a picture of how the disciples filled their days while waiting obediently for the Spirit’s coming. Apparently they immediately returned to a place where they had been staying. This we learn from the Acts account.

However, as time went by the disciples filled their time by going regularly to the temple. At first we know only the persons mentioned at the Ascension. As the days passed, others joined the group as they met in the temple in one of the many meeting rooms.

I imagine conversations could have gone like this:

“Good morning, Peter, I see you are at the temple again. What brings you here?”

“Good morning, Levi. My friends and I are here waiting for the Holy Spirit to come.”

“And when will that be, Peter?”

“We don’t really know, Levi; we only know He is coming.”

“Uh, I see. And do you think it will be soon?"

“We don’t know that either. We only know we are supposed to wait until He arrives.”

“Ummm. And how will you know when He comes?”

“We don’t know, only that Jesus said He would give us power when He comes.”

“Oh. And this Jesus, where is He?”

Peter hesitantly looks at his old friend, Levi. If he can’t understand the conversation thus far, he will never believe that with their own eyes they saw Jesus ascend into the heavens before He assured them He would send the Holy Spirit. The whole situation was just so unusual. Levi would have to have been present that day to understand.

In spite of difficulty explaining what they were waiting for and possible misunderstanding by their friends, the determined disciples continued daily in the temple, praising and worshiping God. And some people did believe them, for by the day of Pentecost, the number of believers had grown to about 120.

As the group waited, their faith did not waiver; they believed the spoken words of Jesus as He was departing. We know they also reinforced their faith by a study of the written Word, because Peter quotes from the Psalms when giving leadership for the selection of another disciple.

Wonderment and uncertainty gave way to joy as the disciples continued in worship and obedience. This joy was not dependent on the circumstances, but was based in faith. Although they did not know how or when the Spirit would come, they believed He would come because Jesus had promised. And they were filled with great joy in the meantime.

Points to Ponder

Waiting for something to happen is sometimes difficult, particularly if the outcome of events is unknown. What can we learn from the disciples in this period of marking time that will help us when we are waiting for prayer to be answered?

1. They trusted Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit would come. Has He spoken a word of promise to your heart that you expect to see fulfilled? Are you waiting in trust?

2. They searched the Scriptures for guidance while they were waiting. Do you diligently study God’s Word to help you understand His will?

3. They filled their time with worship, including both praise and prayer. Does prayer, praise and worship permeate your days, or do you look at circumstances around you and lose your confidence?

3. Their faith and obedience produced a contagious joy which drew others into waiting for the Holy Spirit as well. Does the joy of expectancy fill your heart in spite of circumstances? Are others aware of that joy?

PEGGY MUSGROVE is a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She is also a speaker, freelance writer, author and prayer group leader. Her latest book, Musings of a Maraschino Cherry was released in 2004.. You can visit her at www.musgroveville.com.

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