But Wait! There’s More!
If you grew up in the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s, you’ve probably heard one of the most famous conjunctions in television history.
“But wait… there’s more!”
Ron Popeil built an empire on those four words. Whether he was selling the Pocket Fisherman, the Veg-O-Matic, or the world’s greatest smokeless ashtray (was it really?), every commercial promised an unexpected bonus.
Just when you thought the offer was complete…
But wait!
There was more.
Dr. Buttersworth chuckles because long before Ron Popeil discovered the phrase… Jesus was already using it.
In Acts 1, the disciples were eager to get started. Jesus had risen from the dead. Forty incredible days had passed. Surely it was time to change the world.
But Jesus interrupted their enthusiasm with one very important conjunction.
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…” (Acts 1:4)
A few moments later, another but appears.
“For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5)
Then comes the biggest one of all.
The disciples wanted to know when God would restore Israel. Jesus redirected their attention.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)
Notice what each but does.
It redirects.
The disciples were ready to go.
Jesus said, Wait.
They wanted information.
Jesus promised transformation.
They were thinking about timing.
Jesus was preparing them for power.
Dr. Buttersworth would remind us all that the little word but often signals that something better is coming.
Sometimes God says, “Not yet…” because He’s getting ready to say,
“But wait… there’s more.”
Dr. Buttersworth’s Grammar Lesson:
A conjunction can redirect a sentence.
God often uses one to redirect a life.
Watch for the but.
It may be introducing something far better than what you were expecting.
Big Buts of the Bible 