Listen

As a result, those who had gathered together asked Jesus, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?”

Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. Rather, 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 end of the earth.”

Acts 1:6-8

Think

“Are we there yet?” Haven’t we all pestered our parents like this? Legs swinging, almost kicking their seatbacks, we cannot simply sit and see the passing scenery for what it is: proof that we are getting closer to our destination.

And isn’t that how these members of the early Church must have felt? Even though they just received Jesus’s promise that “in only a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” in verse 5, they immediately ask if Jesus intends to restore the kingdom to Israel. He reminds them that the “times or seasons” for such are unknowable (v. 7).

Furthermore, Jesus corrects their perception of the journey: it will not be the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, but the missionary work of the Kingdom of God. Thankfully, God is faithful and at work like this in our lives right now. As we arise today with help from and hope in the Holy Spirit, let us trust God to lead us along the way.

Sarah Boatwright

Pray

Thank you, Lord, for leading me.

Please help me trust you more and more each day.

Amen.

Go

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSV)