“When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?” He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” Acts 1:6-8
We’ve begun studying the book of Acts around our breakfast table. On Monday morning, these verses struck me.
I’ve seen all kinds of comments and heard everything from ardent support to honest disgust over our current conservative nominee, Donald Trump. Especially with the tapes last week, hardly a political conversation happens without arguments anymore.
Conservative evangelicals revile, saying they could never vote for someone like Trump. Of course, that’s our right– to say and do as we please come this election cycle.
But in last days of Jesus’ time on earth, after His resurrection, His disciples were eager for a change of government too. Under Roman rule, the life of the average Israeli was subject to laws and governance that repudiated her citizens. The men that had been closest to Jesus were eager for a political takeover. In fact, as it’s recorded, they were so eager that it is one of the last questions they ever get the chance to ask Him.
Jesus doesn’t promise to restore their kingdom, but He does remind them of a promise God gave…a promise to be filled by the Holy Spirit and how that would empower them to witness in their neighborhoods, their country, the surrounding countries and even to the ends of the world.
Folks, let’s remember, our mission doesn’t change. No matter who’s in office. We can be passionate and we can be praying, but our purpose remains regardless what happens November 8th. We have a message to spread filled with hope and love and we’ve been told by our Ultimate Commander in Chief what our marching orders are.
Witness. Share. Be the hands and feet of the One who paid the price for our sins to be removed and our eternity to be secured. Use the power of the Holy Spirit and live on mission so that your joy is not dependent on some candidate, some political system, some outcome beyond our control….but that our joy may be full because we know that despite any circumstances, our life’s purpose and mission are a duty with rewards worth chasing.
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