IT IS TIME – From the Edges – Don’t Be Left Behind –

IT IS TIME
Pastor Calvin Cook – June 9, 2025
Scripture focus – “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet… and when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying… These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…” – Acts 1:12–14

When Jesus ascended into heaven, He didn’t just leave — He gave a promise, He gave us a purpose, He called us to something bigger than ourselves.

Though it was Jesus’s time to ascend into Heaven – he didn’t just leave and say “You are on your own – I’ve done all I can – I’ve taught you as much as I know.”

Instead, Jesus said “wait there is more!” “I have this for you”.
Take a quick look at Acts 1:4-5
“Wait for the promise of the Father… You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Roughly 120 people believed Him enough to wait in the Upper Room. But remember: Jesus had been with thousands. He had appeared to over 500 after the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6). That means many who had seen the risen Christ with their own eyes… still didn’t show up.

They missed Pentecost. Or they came to Pentecost with other expectations.

They missed it not because God had chosen to keep them from it. They missed it because of the choices they made. They missed it because of their priorities.

They weren’t locked out. They weren’t pushed away.
They simply chose not to wait.
Chose not to make room.
Chose not to prioritize the presence of God.

What happened between Ascension and Pentecost was not just about waiting — it was about being prepared for the new thing that was about to happen. The Upper Room was filled with people who placed Jesus first, despite the unknown. The others who weren’t there? Too busy. Too uncertain. Too distracted. Left behind — not because God didn’t love them, but because they didn’t wait on the promise.

What About Us?
What does all of this mean today? Will be finally get what God has been trying to do since creation. Bring us into a perfect relationship with God, where God becomes our ultimate hope, our main priority, where we stand ready to experience all that God wants to do in our life. It’s not just about missing heaven — it’s about missing what He wants to pour out now.

When we choose to prioritize with other things, thoughts and plans …. we risk missing the move of God in our lives, families, churches, and communities.

We are never forced away deep within the depths of our souls from a relationship with Jesus. We fail to receive because we fail to show up.

Maybe today can be a reminder that the move of God doesn’t wait when it is convenient for us.

The Holy Spirit is still being poured out — for those willing to pause, to pray, and to prioritize Him above all.

What are you waiting for? More signs? More proof? You’ve already seen enough — now you must respond.

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind…” – Acts 2:2

They waited… and they received. It was time! The early followers of Jesus had Revelation, Activated what they had experienced, and then Demonstrated it in their lives. Remembering what the Holy Spirit spoke to me a few months ago – “You can’t experience Revelation, without Activation and Demonstration.

But many who walked with Jesus, heard His teaching, even saw the nail scars in his hands — missed the moment.
Don’t be counted among them.
Don’t be left behind.

IT IS TIME !!!!!
Time for us to receive the Holy Spirit, Time for us to listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit, Time for us to quit judging others before we look deeply inwardly at ourselves, time to quit thinking that the Bible is just a book of nice stories, time to quit missing the opportunity for Holy fellowship, Time to quit playing church and be the church, time to know that only Jesus can save us from our sins, time to experience redemption, IT IS TIME! IT IS TIME! IT IS TIME!

Prayer : Lord, help me not to grow cold, distracted, or too comfortable. Give me the hunger to wait on Your presence, the faith to prioritize Your Spirit, and the courage to say “yes” when others walk away. I want to be found — ready, waiting, and willing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.