Standing Around.

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”Acts 1:10,11

In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana and Mississippi and soon thereafter became one of the most devastating hurricane in United Sates history. The events that unfolded over the next few weeks were devastating and emotionally draining. What became apparent was that the Army Core of Engineers and government officials, in spite of having planned and trained, were unprepared. As Christians,we can just as easily be caught flat-footed in our spiritual lives and unable to follow God’s plan for our lives

By the time Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples had spent 3 years living with Jesus. They had traveled with him, ate with him, been in the same homes and boats.They had listened to many hours of instruction. Now Jesus has fulfilled the prophecy of the scripture and he has been resurrected, appeared to the disciples and is returning to heaven. He has given them the commandment to go into the entire world and preach the gospel. Yet in spite of clear and specific directions the disciples are standing there staring heavenward. In our churches today we have heard God speak. We have listened to the songs of Zion. We have prayed the prayers of faith…and now we gather on a weekly basis gazing upward and waiting. God needs for us to hear the words of the angels as they told the disciples that there was no need to stand there and stare upward. Our communities need for us to find those in need of God’s love where they are and compel them to come and experience it with us.

Pray today to stop standing and staring and start walking and reaching.

Deacon Larry Woodard