From Thursday, May 8th, The Ascension Day, until Sunday, May 18th - Pentecost/Whitsunday - we find ourselves thinking of the disciples waiting for Pentecost. Recently they had come through the testing of belief in The Resurrection by trusting in Jesus's promise that he would rise again on the third day. Now they were in a similar plight and again realised they must hold on to His promise.
As usual, Jesus prepares His followers for coming events. On an earlier occasion He made a striking prophecy, referring to His ascension: "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all people unto me." Then, after the Ascension, He prepares the disciples for the coming event . . . Pentecost. He again directs them to be careful to remember that He had promised to come to them: "I am telling you the simple truth when I assure you that it is a good thing for you that I should go away ... If I go I will send Him to you.
Always considerate of their welfare, He tells them what to do on those days after the Ascension, as Pentecost approached. He emphasised that they were not to leave Jerusalem, but wait for the Father's promise. They waited faithfully and He came. A mother's sense of dependence on God and people's loving care develops during her days of waiting. The child arrives and her joy is beyond description. "As soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers her agony, for joy that a child has been born ..." Pentecost has been called the birthday of the church.
In those days of waiting in prayer they realised the value of Christ's promise. They waited and saw the reward of His coming. He gave the world His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, His kindness, His generosity, His fidelity, His adaptability and self control. "Suddenly there was a sound like the rushing of a violent wind and it filled all the house where they were seated . . . They were all filled with the Holy Spirit." In these days before Pentecost we can, like the disciples, pray for faith in Jesus's promises. We are given that satisfaction of knowing He is in our prayers. He bestows His spirit in every moment. We experience the joy of worshipping God and enjoying Him for ever.
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."