We are reflecting on the last words of Christ in Luke's Gospel. Before ascending to heaven from Bethany on the Mount of Olives, Jesus gave another instruction to the disciples:
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49).
God can accomplish more in five minutes through His Spirit working in and through you than you can achieve on your own by relying on your strength and abilities. When we commit ourselves to Christ, His Spirit takes up residence in our lives, equipping us with the power and gifts needed to continue Christ’s ministry. The phrase "clothed with power from on high” (v. 49) refers to something — or someone — given to them for a specific purpose. This power from on high was essential to go beyond what the disciples could do with human effort. It’s a beautiful thought that God can clothe us with His strength and Spirit to do His work here on earth! He adorns us with Himself even as we walk through this enemy-occupied territory, this world system. I find this truth very encouraging because it reminds us that, even when I feel helpless or out of my depth, or just inadequate for a task, I know His Holy Spirit is enough for me.
After spending forty days with His disciples, instructing and preparing them, it was finally time to leave them physically.
50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God (Luke 24:50-53).
The area around Bethany is on the other side of the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. Luke also mentions this same event in the Book of Acts when Christ was taken up from them in bodily form.
10They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven" 12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away (Acts 1:10-12).
While waiting for the Spirit's filling, the disciples boldly gathered together in the Temple courts and praised God (Luke 24:53), regardless of what the religious leaders might do to them. In quiet surrender, have you ever raised your hands to God and asked Him to fill you? Are you thirsty for more of Christ? That is the main requirement to be filled with the Spirit (John 7:37-39). If you have never invited Christ into your life, maybe today is your day of salvation. He wants to remove your doubts and fill you with His Spirit if you ask Him. Jesus has promised believers His abiding presence. He promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. Whatever this life holds for you, He promises you will not face it alone (John 16:7-14). Keith Thomas.
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Taken from the series on the Gospel of Luke, study 66: Jesus Appears to the Disciples.
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