Waiting For Him

We know that from the Resurrection to the Ascension of Jesus there was 40 days and then a further 10 days of waiting in the upper room for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Let us focus in on the 40 days. During these 40 days they had to hide from the authorities and wherever they went, like us, they were in a kind of quarantine. The word "quarantine" comes from the Latin meaning 40. In the Bible 40 days is a period of testing and change (Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, Moses' 40 days up Mount Sinai).

After the resurrection of Jesus the disciples waited for Him in several stages during these 40 days. Jesus appeared to many disciples during this time but I want to focus on three appearances that give us a glimpse into what He appeared in His resurrection state to accomplish. This can be applied to us as we Wait For Him (WFH) in this time of Quarantine.

Firstly, He appeared to give REST to them.

"Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”" John 20:19

The disciples were fearful and shut in so Jesus appeared to impart Shalom (the holistic peace of God) into their lives. He speaks a blessing over them that fills their hearts with calm in the midst of the storm. That's what Jesus wants to do for us during this fearful time. Lift up Your hands and let Him impart His Shalom into your life right now!

Secondly, He appeared to RESTORE them.

"So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” John 21:15

Peter had denied Jesus three times and, even though Jesus had appeared briefly to him earlier, he would have still felt some shame and guilt. After the disciples returned to Galilee they went back to a kind of muted reality. Peter and his gang went back to fishing where they encountered the risen Christ again on the shore of the sea of Galilee. 

It was here Jesus restored Peter by asking him three times , "Do you love me?" (one for each time he denied Jesus). He was loving Peter so in return Peter could be free to love again. Jesus wants to do that to you during this time of lockdown. Allow Him to speak words of restoration into your soul.

Thirdly, He appeared to bring REVELATION to them.

"He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3

From the city to the sea to the mountain. The Resurrected Jesus, on a mountain in Galilee first and then on the Mount of Olives before His Ascension, revealed the things concerning His Kingdom to the disciples. After giving them rest (calming their hearts) and restoring their hearts He prepared them for the next phase by imparting heaven's revelation into their hearts. 

In like manner, during this time of lockdown, allow Him to bring revelation concerning His Kingdom and He, the King, reveals more of Himself to you. That means soaking in His Word and His Presence.

Once the Resurrected Christ had given them REST, RESTORATION and REVELATION during these 40 days they were ready to wait for His promise, the outpouring of His Holy Spirit, in the final 10 days up to Pentecost.

This period we are in is one of waiting for Him. Let us wait in faith and allow Him to come to us to give us REST, RESTORE us and then pour Kingdom REVELATION into us in preparation for what is to come!

Amen!