Introduction: Have you ever had to wait? Are you known for being patient? Have you got unanswered prayers pending? Are things not happening as fast as you would like them? Do you get impatient with people?

Sometimes it seems like eternity before things happen. But learning to be understanding with people and exercising patience is a part of the fruit (singular) of the Spirit.

1. Jesus Christ RESURRECTION was marked with VICTORY! (Luke 24:1-6)

“1Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but is risen.”

A. The two men on the road to Emmaus’ eyes needed to be open to SEE JESUS as the SON of GOD! (Luke 24:13-16)

“And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.”

Like the two men on the road to Emmaus, our eyes need to open to see Jesus as our RESURRECTED Lord who justifies us. (Rom 4:24, 25)

“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

B. The two men on the road to Emmaus’ hearts needed to be open to BELIEVE the BIBLE was the WORD of GOD! (Luke 24:25-27)

“Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Once we decide to read the Scriptures daily, our hearts are warmed (burn) by the Spirit of God. (Luke 24:32)

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”

C. The disciples needed to be emptied of SELF that they might be FILLED with the SPIRIT of GOD! (Luke 24:48, 49)

“And ye are witnesses of these things. 49And, 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.”

The one MISSING element….HOLY GHOST POWER!

2. Jesus Christ’s ASCENSION is marked with MAJESTY! (Acts 1:3)

“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

Jesus appeared on 10 different occasions over a 40 day period. On the 50th day, He sent the PROMISE.

A. Patiently Waiting – (Acts 1:4,5)

“4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

It is difficult to wait patiently but the benefits are worth it.

B. Kingdom Waiting! Delayed until the Millennium! (Acts 1:5-7)

“When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” 

Jesus is speaking to the Jews of His day. The fulfillment of the Kingdom being restored will take place when Christ comes again in His second coming and ushers in His Kingdom….yet to come.

“Church Now, Kingdom Later”

C. Witnessing Holy Ghost Power!

“8But ye 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

That is the secret to witnessing – Holy Ghost Power!

D. The Promise of Jesus’ Return! (Acts 1:9-11)

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

Conclusion: Being patient and waiting was worth it for the disciples. When Jesus tells us to WAIT, He gives the “GRACE” to do it!