By Andrew Williams – August 19,2021
Scripture : So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time? ” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8 HCSB
Observation : There are three (3) things that we observe in this passage.
1. The disciples wanted to know if it was time for Israel to regain the kingdom and if Jesus would restore it now. This was a valid concern since many believed that was what the Messiah would do when He came.
2. He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. (Acts 1:7 HCSB). There are things that we are not meant to know, like the times for the fulfilment of certain events. The Father has His own authority and we are not privy to the things He chooses not to reveal. Even Jesus himself is unaware of some of these things.
3. Jesus redirected the disciples focus to what they were called and anointed to do : to be His witnesses to the whole world. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Application : 1. I will not waste my time trying to figure out the timing of end time events.
2. I will yield to the Father’s Authority and humble myself and stop focusing on matters that the Father Himself has not even shared with Jesus.
3. I will focus on being Jesus’ witness here on earth and spread the Gospel of God’s Kingdom in the power of His Holy Spirit who lives in me.
Prayer : Father God I humble myself before You. I ask you to keep me focused on what You have called me to do. Help me to be Jesus’ faithful witness. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to spread the gospel and make kingdom disciples I pray. This is my duty and I accept it wholeheartedly, through Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior and King, amen.