After Jesus and Before the Spirit

I've always been intrigued by the period of time between Jesus' ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It strikes me a little like wilderness camping where you have neither the guide who trained you nor the supplies you were trained to use. I pictured a scared huddled mass of humanity, afraid to step out the door. But over the past few days I've had the opportunity to study Acts 1:12-26, which is really the only narrative we have describing this period of time. To my amazement, the first church didn't see themselves as lacking anything. They were just waiting for more. Let me show you what I mean. Here's a list of their activities:

They went home as they were instructed by Jesus. (vs.12)

They devoted themselves to praying "with one accord." (vs.14)

They met in large groups. (vs.15)

They interpreted their experience with Judas using Scripture. (vs.15-20)

They sought the Holy Spirit's guidance through Scripture. (also vs.15) (This is the one that really changed my view.)

They selected nominees based on wise discernment. (vs.21-23)

They asked God to select between their nominees. (vs.24-26)

There is nothing about this narrative that would give the impression that the disciples were anything but confident in their ability to live as Christ's community. Sure they were waiting per Christ's instructions so they would recieve the power to do the work they were called to do, but they weren't powerless. On the contrary, they went to the same sources we do today to determine how to interpret our experience and to hear what the Lord wants of his people: Scripture, wise discernment, and prayer.