Is this the time?
Ascension Day is coming .... Thursday, May 14. This is the day when we remember and celebrate Jesus's Ascension into heaven. One of the accounts of the Ascension is Acts 1:1-11. When I read this passage, I am struck by the disciples question: “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” After all that has happened and the rollercoaster ride they have been on with Jesus' death and resurrection, His followers are still wondering when Israel will be established as a nation again. When will Rome be over-thrown? What answer does Jesus give them?
He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (vs 7-8)
Jesus didn't tell them. He just said that it is not for them to know. That is the Father's business. But He didn't stop there, He went on to tell them what IS for them to know.... how the Holy Spirit will empower them for the task of being His witnesses.
Why does their question stick out to me? Probably because I am type of person who wants to know when things are happening. I am interested in the schedule for anything I am involved with. But also because it reveals the deep longing of the disciples.... they want God's kingdom on earth. Isn't that what we, His follower's today, want?
We often have this sort of question for God. Is this the time when You will.... (fill in the blank)..... heal that disease? bring reconciliation? clearly show me Your direction for the rest of my life? stop suffering? reveal Yourself to this person? and on and on. Maybe you can identify the question you have for God with regards to His timing.
What does Jesus answer say to us? It is not a definite "no" but neither is it a clear "yes". It is an answer that puts us in the position of dependent, trusting obedience. Timing of things... well that is God's business. Our business is receiving the Spirit and just being honest about who Jesus is and how He has impacted our lives wherever we are. As we do that, I expect we will see God's Kingdom being established on earth.
He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (vs 7-8)
Jesus didn't tell them. He just said that it is not for them to know. That is the Father's business. But He didn't stop there, He went on to tell them what IS for them to know.... how the Holy Spirit will empower them for the task of being His witnesses.
Why does their question stick out to me? Probably because I am type of person who wants to know when things are happening. I am interested in the schedule for anything I am involved with. But also because it reveals the deep longing of the disciples.... they want God's kingdom on earth. Isn't that what we, His follower's today, want?
We often have this sort of question for God. Is this the time when You will.... (fill in the blank)..... heal that disease? bring reconciliation? clearly show me Your direction for the rest of my life? stop suffering? reveal Yourself to this person? and on and on. Maybe you can identify the question you have for God with regards to His timing.
What does Jesus answer say to us? It is not a definite "no" but neither is it a clear "yes". It is an answer that puts us in the position of dependent, trusting obedience. Timing of things... well that is God's business. Our business is receiving the Spirit and just being honest about who Jesus is and how He has impacted our lives wherever we are. As we do that, I expect we will see God's Kingdom being established on earth.
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