Men in White


(From 2008)





            Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection and just prior to His ascension, the disciples inquired of the kingdom (Acts 1: 6).  Jesus replied that it wasn’t time to reveal such a thing but that they would know when they received power from the Holy Spirit (vs. 7-8). He added that they would be his witnesses starting in Jerusalem and going through the whole world.  Then Jesus ascended into heaven (vs. 9).  In the next two verses something interesting occurs:  “10. And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11. who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven.” (Acts 1: 10-11)  These two men in white are presumed to be angels although the text doesn’t say so. 

            What do we know of this passage?  First, the disciples, having been with Jesus for over three years, seeing him arrested, killed and resurrected, it’s no surprise that they stood and watched him leave.  They were still unsure of what to do next, and delayed themselves even though Jesus continually told them what was to happen next. 

Second, the presence of the men in white was to encourage the disciples that they were to have hope that Jesus would return as he had promised.  Finally, with their words of encouragement, they wanted to make sure the disciples would move on to the next phase of the ministry and be ready when the kingdom would be established.  They got ready by choosing another disciple to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1: 23-26).

But this isn’t the first time the disciples delayed in a phase of the ministry.  A similar incident occurred during the transfiguration of Jesus (Matt. 17: 1-3).  Peter, James and John saw this event take place and witnessed the appearance of Moses and Elijah.  In verse 4 Peter said, “And Peter answered, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, I will make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Here Peter was to savor the moment and delay going on to the next step by building three tabernacles.  God put a stop to that in verse 5.

            Oftentimes Christians today will delay the next phase in their life as ministers of Christ.  Mostly to look back on their past accomplishments and savor the highlights.  The problem though is that we look at the past as something better.  Jesus said in Luke 9: 62, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”  By delaying our ministry in looking at our past we sometimes fear what’s to come next.  So rather than looking for something new and challenging, we create a ‘comfort zone’ and settle down.

            Demas was most likely one of these people, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica.” (2 Tim. 4: 10)  This doesn’t necessarily mean that Demas fell away but rather gave up the present fight to go a city that didn’t have problems.  I’m sure Demas knew that wherever Paul went trouble followed.  So, in his mind, if he stayed away from Paul he’d stay away from trouble.

            Divisions in the church cause such attitudes.  When the fight is on and people don’t want to choose either side, they will leave the congregation altogether so they won’t get involved.  Jesus encouraged division in Matt. 10: 34-35.  His goal was to see who would put His Father first.

            Don’t be a Demas and don’t delay your actions to enjoy your former victories.  Keep your eye on the prize (Phil. 3: 14).

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