Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
Acts 1:6
I know it’s hard to believe, but when I was a boy, I would not shut up. No, seriously. I would talk and talk and talk. I think that’s why we never had a ton of company at our house. My parents were probably mortified that I might divulge family secrets to those outside of our family. I was also a “know it all.” I’m sure you find that one difficult to believe! If I didn’t know it, I had to know it. So I would play 1,000 questions with my parents until I found out the information I wanted to know. I imagine my parents in bed at night discussing the best place to send me for boarding school.
Is there anything wrong with knowing things? Not really, but there is something wrong with asking the wrong questions and not learning from past experiences.
Jesus came to demonstrate patience, not power
In Acts 16-8, Luke gives us a glimpse into this story and the heart of the disciples. Remember, not too long ago, they all fled the scene of a blood-stained forest and illegal trials in the dark of night. Now they are asking if Jesus is going to restore the kingdom with His power. All the time they spent with Jesus and all of the investment Jesus gave to them with the hopes that they would learn something seems to have fallen short. The more I read about the disciples, the more I realize none of them were the brightest light on the tree. They just didn’t get it.
If you were Jesus, how would you have responded? I’m afraid I may have become upset. But Jesus showed great patience.
Jesus came to establish a relationship, not a rebellion
Jesus completely changed the topic and flipped the script with His disciples. He said, “It’s is not for you to know.” That’s it. Then he moved on and talked about a power that the disciples would soon receive. This power would give them the unique privilege to have a relationship with Jesus even after He left to ascend to heaven. Again, Jesus was more interested in a relationship than a rebellion.
The disciples seemed to be more interested in a rebellion and sitting in the seat of power themselves. This interest in a revolution was not what Jesus intended.
Jesus sought to Help His disciples power, not a palace
The disciples were hoping for a new kingdom where they would share leadership with Jesus. But Jesus had a different idea. He told the disciples He was giving them the Holy Spirit to provide power so that they could be His strong and credible witnesses. This was not what they were looking for in an answer. They wanted Jesus to come in with fury and establish His kingdom. Jesus wanted no part of it. There was so much work left to be done, and the disciples didn’t understand much of it.
But Jesus was very clear. His plan for them was that they tell others about Him. But, He was not going to leave them on their own to get it done. He was sending help and hope in the person of the Holy Spirit.
So what about you? Are you tapped into the power of the Holy Spirit in your daily life and witness? Do others notice a difference in your life when they hear you speak? Can they tell there is something transformationally different about you? That’s what the Holy Spirit does. He gives you strength and hope.
Rest in the Holy Spirit each day so that you recognize those critical times when you need to share the transforming message of the gospel with your friends.