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A Promise for You

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father, upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49


Did you notice the word “you” in the verse above? Jesus is talking here but he is not talking to an individual. He is talking to all those who witnessed the ascension. There were 500 that glorious day, worshipping and full of joy as Jesus ascended into Heaven right before their eyes! They had seen Him! They knew He was alive! They watched Him ascend into Heaven. They knew it was real! Sadly, not all 500 listened or headed His next words, “but tarry”. They were given instructions to wait and pray, stay in the city. There was more! What were they waiting for? “Power from on high”, not their own strength but power from the Holy Spirit. Only 120 were in the upper room, waiting on the Day of Pentecost. The day was grand! I encourage you to read Acts chapter 2. What happened, Pentecost happened. A sound from Heaven filled the house. They saw cloven tongues like fire sitting on each of them. They were ALL filled with the Holy Ghost. They ALL spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. They preached the gospel. They bore fruit, people were saved! Talk about a revival!


There is more for us too! But we must tarry. So, what does that look like? Here are some synonyms for tarry:


· Linger (stay in His presence a little longer)

· The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

· Remain (remain in His love)

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

· Wait (be patient, the answer is coming, listen for His still small voice)

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

· Pause (don’t be quick to make decisions, pray)

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11

· Rest (Know and take comfort in His promises)

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1


The disciples were doing that day what Jesus had told them to do. They were telling people about Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit. This day marked a festival or celebration for the Jewish people. It was the Feast of Pentecost. The word Pentecost means “50”. God’s people had a festival or feast that they celebrated 50 days after Passover. It lasted only 1 day and showed that the harvest had ended. It had been 50 days since the Passover meal with the disciples and in following Jesus’ instructions at His ascension, the 120 in the upper room that day had tarried for 10 days. The Bible tells us that they were in one accord, meaning unity, in prayer and supplication. The event that day has led us to the term “Pentecostal experience”. A time for us individually when we experience being filled with the Holy Ghost. A time of yielding ourselves to His power. A day to receive more. It is for YOU, will you tarry?


But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8


November 6 Pastor Julia Scott

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