To Your Advantage
These faithful followers of Jesus have been waiting for 38 days in Jerusalem. Luke has told us in his book (Acts) some of what these people were doing. The report in Acts is that they were in prayer and affirming what had happened was according to The Scriptures.
Besides Jesus' direct command for them to "wait for The Promise of The Father what else motivated these to wait these 38 days and eventually 40 days?
Jesus made an astounding statement about The Holy Spirit before his crucifixion to his followers. He stated in John 16:7 that his leaving his follower's is to their advantage. What, your leaving us is to our advantage? Can you imagine what these follower's of Jesus must have thought upon hearing this?
There must have been absolute shock and disbelief in hearing Jesus say this? The physical presence of Jesus leaving them is somehow best for them? I am sure if I had been in that group I would have been stunned.
But Jesus tells them that the advantage that they have is that when he goes away The Helper (The Holy Spirit) will come (John 16:7). Jesus tells his followers that the presence of The Helper (The Holy Spirit) is of greater advantage to these followers than his physical presence. This must be one of the reasons these followers of Jesus are faithful to wait these 40 days.
REFLECT: Have you considered the advantage you have because you have The Helper that Jesus promised?