Read: Acts I:1-5
Before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, R.S.V.).
Tarry Until Ye Be Endued
Ordinarily we may expect the witness of the Spirit to follow almost immediately after entire consecration and the exercise of our faith. Normally we may expect immediate assurance of faith — but not always.
Jesus promised His followers that they should receive the Holy Spirit, but He did not tell them when. He told them only to begin seeking and not to give up until they had received: “Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). In Acts we see that Jesus let His disciples know that there would be some days of seeking: “Wait for the promise of the Father… but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4-5, R.S.V.). We know that these first disciples tarried for ten days. But the blessing was worth the waiting.
In Samaria (Acts 8:14-17) and in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6) the Holy Spirit came to seeking Christians with no delay. Why does the blessing come to some immediately, while others must
tarry for a time? We do not know all of the answer but we can be sure that the delay is not due to any unwillingness on God’s part. Jesus tells us: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13) We know also that, if the Gift is delayed, it is no new experience to Christians. Others have known this delay and at its end they have found their hearts’ desire. We need only to tarry until He comes.
I wait, till He shall touch me clean, Shall life and power impart, Give me the faith that casts out sin, And purifies the heart.
— Wesley’s Hymns