BUT WAIT....  

Scripture for the day: Luke 24:46-49 “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
Thought for the day: Oh, how I wish I had time and space enough to go into all that’s contained in these few verses. There’s so much to be said. If I had time, I’d speak of the surprise He gave them as they discussed the events of the day and listened to those who’d just come back from Emmaus. Suddenly, there He was, standing in the midst of them, smiling at their confusion. 
 If there were space, I’d write of the comfort He brought when He said, “Peace to you,” and showed them the nail prints in His hands and in His feet. I’d talk with you about the assurance He provided when He looked into their troubled spirits and waited patiently for their fear to filter away. You see, they were convinced He’d left them and needed the assurance of His presence. They were unable to believe it was really Him until He offered them proof of His reality through the simple act of eating a bit of fish.
 If only I were given the time, I would speak once more of the great insights He provided them; how He reminded them of the predictions made by the Old Testament prophets, and the truth that “all things must be fulfilled,” even the difficult things. I’d love to speak of the understanding He imparted to those frightened disciples, first on the road to Emmaus when He opened the scriptures; now in the dark of the upper room as He opened their minds. 
 Yes, if there were only time and space enough, I’d speak of the instructions He gave to the disciples. He told them to become witnesses to all they’d seen and heard, but not just reporters. They were to speak of the Gospel, beginning with the Old Testament. They were to speak to the whole world of His life, His sufferings, His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Their message was to be a simple one; “For all have sinned…” and “repent, therefore, and turn to God.” I would tell you today about the authority they were given to preach “In His name,” and that “there is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved.” They were to begin at Jerusalem, home of His murderers; Jerusalem, the home of the most religious, and least faithful. Then they were to expand the word to the ends of the earth. 
 Finally, if I had time, I’d tell of the assistance He promised; the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans. I will send another who will guide you into all truth, remind you of everything you’ve been taught and convict the world of sin and death and hell. Yes, we could talk for hours of the Holy Spirit and His part in the miracle of salvation; if we only had the time. 
 I suspect that the disciples were itching to get on with the mission by the time Jesus got done speaking in that musty upper room on the night of His resurrection. Peter may have even been headed for the door, intent on redeeming himself from the abject failure he’d been just days before. I can picture his hand on the latch of the door, ready to fling it open and take the message of hope to anyone who would hear. Just as he’s about to disappear into the darkness, he hears the Lord speak once more: “But wait…” 
 What? Wait? Really? What are we waiting for? We need to get on with the program! You’re waiting for strength, Peter, for you cannot do this thing in your own power. “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31). 
There's more to be said but we'll have to wait until tomorrow. In the meantime, go take on your world.  -  Bill