Before they went out, Jesus told His friends to wait for the Father's promise.
“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.”Acts 1:4 (KJV)
What does “Promise of the Father” mean in Acts 1:4?
Jesus commands His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they receive what the Father promised. The promise is the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Going deeper
Jesus had given His disciples a great task, to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. But before they could begin, He asked them to wait. He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father. Notice how unusual that is. They had the message and the mission, yet He told them to hold still. They were not ready to work in their own strength. They needed the power that only God could give.
Waiting is often the hardest part of obedience. We want to move, to fix, to act. But sometimes God asks us to wait until we are equipped. Are you at a place of waiting right now? Use the time well. Pray, stay close to fellow believers, and be ready. The disciples did not wait alone, and neither do we. The Father's promise was kept, and He keeps His word to you as well.
Reflect
What are you waiting on right now, and how can you wait faithfully?
Pray
Father, help me to wait for what You have promised. Keep me faithful and ready, and give me the power I need for what You ask. In Jesus' name, amen.
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