"Up in the Air"

 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them.  “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:10-11)

The Ascension of Jesus has captured my imagination during this season.  Jesus is "up in the air."  The promise was that after Jesus departed, the Father would send the Holy Spirit.  Apparently, however, the two angels dressed in white were needed in order to get them to leave their post.  The Holy Spirit didn't come immediately.  They were asked to wait for the promised Holy Spirit.  But in the meantime, everything was "up in the air."  

"Up in the air, is the phrase I would use to describe our current pandemic?  How will it affect our economy?  Its "up in the air."  What will it take for the churches to recover?  Its "up in the air."  When will I feel safe to go out in public without a mask?  Its "up in the air"  

I don't like things left "up in the air."  I like to plan, predict, and produce results.  Suddenly, we are all like these first disciples who have a vague promise, but really aren't clear what its all about.  There is a a pause before Pentecost.  

Might I suggest that there is purpose in the pause.  Faith is formed in times when results are uncertain.  These angels were a non anxious presence while Jesus followers gazed anxiously into the empty sky.. 

We all need the words of these angels.  Don't panic.  Wait in faith.   Empty skies are a part of the story but they are not the end.    Be faithful and don't lose heart while things are still "up in the air."  

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Dr. Phil Nordstrom

Husband, father, friend, pastor