We have no fear of Jesus leaving. At the time of the ascension the disciples weren’t not quite ready. We know from the gospel account that Jesus is on the Mt of Olives with his disciples. 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Huh? No Fear of Jesus Leaving – He rules the church, but didn’t set up a throne right where King David sat. On the contrary while sitting down for a friendly chat with the governor Pontius Pilate – just before he was condemned to die – he explained very clearly, My kingdom, is not of this world.
How could the disciples get this wrong?! They are about to be the “sent ones” – that’s what Apostle means. Christians still get this wrong today. We hear it in prosperity preaching and theology. Become a Christian and your life will be easy. Become a Christian and get a new job. Or instead of God wants you to be forgiven, I hear things like God wants you to be happy. Where does God ever say that he wants you to be happy or that you ever will be happy? He actually promises the opposite. He says, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world. God talks about contentment and peace. God talks about blessing us – after all we are his children, but that might mean we will be blessed with less, not more.
Jesus doesn’t slam his disciples for their gaff in theology, he simply, gently redirects. 7 “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. Yes there will be a physical revealing of the kingdom of God, but that’s also known as the Last Day, Judgment Day, when the world ends. Remember the plan boys, 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Want to hear more? Watch this week’s message taken from Acts 1 – No Fear of Jesus Leaving.
Book(s): Acts
Series: No Fear
Tag(s): Ascension
Speaker(s): Fred Guldberg