It’s now been seven days since the disciples watched as Jesus abruptly stopped talking, glanced upward as if hearing someone call his name, grinned happily, lifted his hands like a small child wanting to be picked up, and was raised up into the sky, into a cloud, then completely out of sight. It was so strange, much like witnessing the joyful reunion of loved ones after a long absence. But for the disciples it felt like an unfinished, but final, goodbye. The twin sensations of confusion and despair tried to settle on them, but were interrupted by two angels admonishing them to be about carrying out the instructions Jesus had given.
The mood in the upper room, after one week has passed, has shifted to an emphasis on worship and praise. Replacing the initial push to pray intensely in hopes of hurrying this time of waiting along, there is a deepening peace hovering over everybody. The silences in their prayers are no longer fraught with angst, but have taken on a loveliness, like the scent of perfume wafting through the air. The whole group is settling more into the realization that they are not in control, that God, in His sovereignty is guiding them, loving them, pleased with them.
All the early wonderings surrounding Jesus’ departure, what the ‘gift’ might be like, how it would come, how it would be understood by them, have ceased. They are centered now, focused, enjoying the privilege of this time together. An easy rhythm has been wordlessly established, each of them taking care of daily tasks without being reminded. When someone starts singing, everyone joins in. Tears are frequent, as are confessions and prayers.
A quoted passage from the Psalms (46:10) opens their eyes to a truth never grasped in its fullness: “Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God.” Then, a reminder from the prophet Isaiah: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” (30:15) The disciples are now perceiving waiting differently. Those words, surrender, resting, quietness, are emerging as foundational principles. Waiting, then, is a kind of blessed schooling. And they, like us, have lots to learn. PD
