Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Why are you standing around?

Today is one of those days when God gently smacks me in the face. I feel the hit through what I read..."When Jesus had said this, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, 'Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?'" Acts 1:8-11 (NRSV)

Jesus gives his disciples instructions about making a difference in the world with the message. What do they do? They stand around watching Jesus float into the sky--like watching a balloon lift higher and higher until finally it's out of view.

Why are they standing around when they know what they should be doing? The disciples didn't have to figure out their next step...Jesus had outlined everything for them. All they needed to do at this point was listen and obey. But what did they do?

I have this tendency to continue looking to God for direction or answers even though He's already told me what to do. There are issues, actions and attitudes in my life that God has already spoken to me about, but I'm not obeying. I don't want to do what He says...so I'm stalling.

Just short of sending the white-robed dudes, God asks me today, "Why are you standing around?"