Scripture: Acts 1:6
So when the disciples had come together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Thought for the Day: These words come from the story associated with Ascension Day, a day in the Christian Year that is celebrated the week before Pentecost. Ascension Day is this coming Sunday, and we will be remembering and celebrating the story of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Right before he leaves this world, the disciples ask the resurrected Christ if he is about ready to restore the kingdom of Israel. This is the thing many (if not all) of the disciples had been expecting. In different ways, they had viewed Jesus as a political leader who was going to push the Roman occupying force from Jerusalem and the surrounding lands. Of course, this is not what happened. Jesus danced around the question by suggesting that it was not for us to know, but then he immediately turned to the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon the followers of Jesus. It’s as if Jesus was saying, “Don’t worry about what isn’t your task. Instead, worry about the work that is set before you.” I like a good theological discussion, but often there is no way of determining who is right. Oh sure, I feel pretty certain that I was right but so does the person I was debating. Often these are the questions that need to be set aside for the good work of those who choose to follow Jesus through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. I lift this up specifically for those who are certain about their calculations for the end of the world. To them, stop jabbering about things of which you know nothing. Instead, get to the good work Jesus has put before you.
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, and animate my life for the good work presented in the life of Jesus. Let me never see an intense debate on some irrelevant topic as a way of following Jesus. Amen.
JOIN TOGETHER FOR WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY – ASCENSION SUNDAY
