We've all seen it happen. We've all done it ourselves. My children are good at "spacing out" while they are suppose to be cleaning their room or picking up around the house. They are easily "caught watching the paint dry" when distracted by something else. I can't be too hard on them though. I myself often struggle with distraction when working on a project around the house or on the computer. Quite literally, being "caught watching the paint dry" means not doing what you ought to be doing.
When Jesus had risen from the dead I imagine He may have encountered many blank stares and gazes. The awe, wonder, and joy of the disciples seeing their recently crucified and buried Teacher face to face speaking, teaching, and even eating with them would be jaw-dropping to say the least. I don't blame or mock the disciples who stood gazing up into the heavens where Jesus had just disappeared from sight. But like a child in front of a TV, it's no wonder the two angels had to appear in their line of sight and say, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." The disciples were "caught watching the paint dry" so to speak. Jesus had just given them the command to get out into the world and share His "word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18-21), beginning in Jerusalem.
It's easy for us to be caught up with the things of this world. It's easy to "space out" and forget that we are here to keep busy in the work of our risen Savior's kingdom by sharing His message of repentance and forgiveness with all people! The Apostle Paul encourages, "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:5). |
