The Divine equipment.
"Wait for the promise of the Father." The great Head of the Church addressing its leaders. The Son of God speaking to those who themselves should receive power to become the sons of God, and to lilt up the world into a Divine household. In the infancy of the Church all depended on simple obedience to orders. Immense evil from not waiting for God's time and preparation. Here are the two guiding lights—the promise unfolding the prospect, the commandment marking out the way.
I. THE UNFOLDED PROSPECT.
1. The extent of it. "The Father's promise;" infinite as his love. Though faith was demanded, because sight of the future withheld, still the voice was the voice of infinite assurance.
2. The nature of the expectation. "Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost." The gift already tasted, known by experience. We cannot be without "the earnest of the Spirit" if Christ's. We yet must look for a fuller baptism, especially as meeting responsibilities and trials, anticipating work and fruits.
II. THE WORD OF COMMAND. "Wait."
1. With the word of promise in mind, expecting the fulfillment, "not many days hence."
2. In fellowship with one another and in prayer, that the heart may be open to the gifts, that they may be poured out upon all
3. At Jerusalem, where the two dispensations meet, where the main action against the kingdom of darkness can best commence, where the facts of the gospel have already preceded you, and you can build on the foundation laid in Zion.
4. In self-renunciation and faithfulness, not in slothful indifference or depression. While we make the best of present opportunities, the larger open to us. Do the work of the day in the day, and so wait for the promise of the Father. Individually, here is encouragement—grain of mustard seed will grow. Our Father must desire growth in us. Collectively, many applications—prospects of the Church and of the world. The true method of gathering in the masses, not by departing for Jerusalem before the time, but waiting till we are able to send out into the unconverted world the energy bestowed upon us.—R.