Scripture

He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 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.”

Observation

The disciples ask Jesus if He is about to restore Israel. But Jesus replies that this is not for them to know. They must wait for the Holy Spirit who will give them the power to be witnesses even to the ends of the earth.

Then Jesus is taken up to heaven. Two angels appear and tell the disciples that Jesus will return in the same way that He has left.

After this, they return to the city to the room where they are staying. There they continue to pray and wait.

Application

Jesus’ words here remind us of the danger of theological speculation. It isn’t wrong to wonder about the future kingdom, but it can distract us from the main job which if to be witnesses to Jesus under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus will return, but in the meantime there is a gospel to preach to the nations.

There is an order to this. We must first receive the Holy Spirit and then go out. No Spirit- no power.

Prayer

Holy Spirit come and fill me. Lead me to those people who need to know Jesus and speak through me.

Amen.