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TARRY IN THE CITY
Waiting has its rewards

A Commentary by Constance Vanides

Jesus crucified, died, laid in a tomb. Three days later He miraculously rose from the dead. Many saw Him as He walked the earth for 40 days and was with His disciples.

“…He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by [disciples] during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts:1:3)

““After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once…” (1 Corinthians 15:6)

Now, preparing for His departure, His ascension into heaven, Jesus presented His disciples with His final commandment, “…tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) This followed with His promise, “…for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5)

The “not many days” turned out to be ten; ten days of obeying the Master’s command without knowing exactly what to expect. The disciples with the women stayed in that upper room and prayed together “with one accord and supplication.” (Acts 1:14)

What was this power from on high the Lord spoke of? They conducted some business, prayed and waited, and waited, and waited, as was told them, trusting in the delivery of the “Promise of the Father”. As each day went by, that waiting certainly must have heightened their expectations.

They were not disappointed. Suddenly, the “Promise of the Father” was accomplished, filling the house with sound and wind. Tongues as of fire appeared to sit upon each person. Their voices spoke the wonderful works of God in the varied languages of the people gathered there in the streets, miraculously causing thousands to understand what was being said!

It’s no different today. Tarrying wherever we are, and desiring to follow Jesus’ directives, God draws us to desire a new life, a spiritual one. We are baptized in water, cleansed of the old self, looking to Jesus the Christ, the Son of God as the One who comes to baptize with the Holy Spirit. (John 1:33)

For this we still ask, pray, expect and wait. He will not disappoint. (Luke 11:13)

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