What do Do While We Wait?

Scripture – Acts 1:15-20: ¹⁵In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) ¹⁶and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus—¹⁷he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” ¹⁸(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) ²⁰“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’

Reflection: – As they continued to wait in Jerusalem, we see there were about 120 believers. That’s more than a lot ( probably most) churches have on a Sunday morning. We know there were the eleven disciples specifically chosen by Jesus. There were also some women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus. Aside from them, we have no clue who most of these believers were or where they came from. We know Jesus picked up many followers along the way. How many of them were with this group, we don’t know. (It’s important to note the size of the group because in a few days things will change dramatically.)

We can also see that Peter appears to be assuming leadership of this still relatively disorganized group. He proposed someone needs to fill the place vacated by Judas. In some ways, this looks like a rather mundane business meeting.

Sometimes waiting is boring. Here we see the group doing more than just passing the time. Still it’s not very exciting. What are you waiting for? How are you using the time while you wait?