Dear Friends,

Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures and said to them, ‘Thus it was written that the Christ was to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day. Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things…’ Luke 24: 43-48

The disciples are now primed and ready to take on the world, or so they think. Surely this is all building to a massive crescendo – a spectacular sending out. But Jesus has one more surprise in store:  ‘You must remain in the city,’ says Jesus. ‘Something’s coming, but you have to wait.’ The balloon of excitement deflates somewhat.

I wonder how they took this news. Did James and John, nicknamed ‘Sons of Thunder’ by their friend and Saviour, endlessly speculate or make plans for a future they could not foresee?  Did Martha cook endless pots of stew and clean the fireplace until it sparkled in an effort to keep busy? Did Peter consider how to ‘shepherd the sheep’ from a city whose leaders must have suspected him? Imagine Philip and Andrew, always on the lookout for people who needed Jesus most, having to sit and wait. How would you have passed the time?

The story is in motion but the Eternal Hand is slow to turn the page revealing the next chapter. Perhaps you can empathise. Are there areas of your personal, church or community life where you sense God is moving? Perhaps an individual, project or situation has been in your prayers for a long time and progress is slow.

The temptation, of course, is to hurry things along a bit – not meaning to second-guess God, just wanting to see the Kingdom come quicker and in the manner we expect. Without Jesus’ warning to stay in Jerusalem the disciples might have separated, dashing off to their various homes and jobs. Worse, they could have gone blundering on, attempting to minister alone. They do have form for that. Remember their inability to cast out the demon in Matthew 17: 14-20?

None of us, however capable, are called to serve God in our own strength. That can mean taking God’s time, not our own.

Love and blessings,

Laura.