Why Are You Staring?

Acts 1: 9 - 11. Remember the disciples? They had all seen and felt the snatching hand of death, as it took away their hopes, dreams, aspirations and one true Friend. They have also witnessed the defeat of death, for they now have new life, new hope and new joy, in their Living Lord. Today, after having Him with them in a very special way, He must leave them. Jesus has now told them that they are to wait in Jerusalem. Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. Acts 1: 4b. They will be baptised with The Holy Spirit.

On the particular day, while Jesus is talking with His disciples, right before their stunned eyes, Jesus is taken up from them. They look, they stare and keep on staring, but a cloud hides Jesus from their human eyes. They are so held by this happening, they keep on looking. Please note that it is Jesus’ actions that leave them staring up to the heavens.

Let’s pause for a moment. Is it not true that often you lift your eyes to the heavens, because you are so totally bowled by some baffling experience that is clouded to you? You were seeing quite clearly in the beginning, but now everything is all clouded. You see yourself losing sight of the Jesus you were once seeing and you begin to feel cut off. All you can do is stand there and stare, trying to see more, waiting to see if and when the cloud will pass. You know that the problem is not with your eyes. You know that you have the vision to see, because you were seeing before the cloud came and obstructed you. The fear of losing it all becomes a reality and you are at a loss as to what to do.

Look at what happens next and may you see it as your way forward also. May the Understanding Love of God the Father, make this change in you. It is here that God sends His heavenly messengers with this word,

Men of Galilee, they said, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven Acts 1: 11.

This is what I was clearly shown about these messengers of God. They were sent:-

• To STAND beside these staring disciples. They are not above them but next to them.

• To SPEAK directly to the staring disciples, so that their stares are turned to the ones sent to help them.

• To COMFORT these staring ones, with information that keeps them safe and confident in the knowledge of their Lord’s return.

Are you staring today because you are losing God’s Word? Is His Word eluding you and try as you may, you are being clouded on all sides, from seeing and understanding? Cast your eyes to the sent servant of God who is beside you. The sent servant will turn your seeing eyes to the promise of Jesus, so that you will return, stop staring and wait for the promised Gift.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Living Active Words, which You send to us. Your Word is Your servant, speaking Your truth to us. Your Word leads us, teaches us and guides us into the way we must follow. In this way, we are not found staring, blocked by any cloud, but we are made free to return to do our Master’s will and live as He taught. Thank You Lord for Your Life-changing Word. Amen!