Thursday, January 25
Wait for the Promise
Scripture: Genesis 49-50, Psalm 11, Acts 1
Acts 1:4–5 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.”
Observation
Jesus insisted that His disciples wait for the promise of the Father, which is the Holy Spirit. Jesus would send them into the world—to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (1:8)—to be His witnesses, to tell everyone the good news. But they couldn’t do it on their own. God’s work requires God’s power. They were to wait for the Spirit’s coming, which happened in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost.
The Spirit’s presence and power wasn’t optional, but essential. The mission couldn’t be accomplished without Him, so they were told to wait. “Don’t rush out in your own power and think you can do it on your own. You can’t. Wait for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, who will empower you for life and mission.”
Application
I’m starting my day in a posture of waiting—sitting quietly before the Lord and asking Him to fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit. I’m very conscious of my need—particularly when it comes to engaging a lost world. I’m aware of what I can and can’t do—I can’t do what Jesus asks without the Spirit’s presence and power.
So…I’m waiting.
Prayer: Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit. And keep me full! Keep filling me all day. Help me to wait—I’m not a good waiter. I’m prone to rush off on my own—I like activity. But the activity I’m called to requires more than I have…so fill me!