Acts 1:6-11 The Ascension

While Jesus was dedicated to teaching about the kingdom of God, the apostles were concerned about the kingdom of Israel and its restoration. What God is going to do with Israel and when should not be the focus of their attention. Jesus was clear: "It is not for you to know..." In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the nation of Israel. While some are interested in evangelizing Israel, others are interested in their role in the current political world. The former deserves my attention, but not the latter.

Politics is a topic of great interest to me and I believe that Christians should participate of the political life of their countries. But politics must be viewed for what it is. Politics, for the Christian, is nothing more than a tool to communicate the message of the Gospel and an opportunity to voice for justice and against evil. But politics is not the savior and should never be viewed as the means to solve all my problems. Ultimately, my problems stem from the heart and it requires a heart change to be a virtuous and moral citizen. On the other hand, if I am a Christian and stand apathetic to politics, how can I bring change to society if I don't participate in the public affairs of the society in which I live? How can I bring the message of the Gospel to bear on issues if I don't stand up and speak up?

What is important for the apostles to know, in contrast with the political status of the kingdom of Israel, is that the Holy Spirit will grant power to make them witnesses. This is a central truth in the kingdom of God! The promised Holy Spirit will empower them to be witnesses. A witness is one who is willing to give a testimony of what they have experienced for others to know. The apostles were witnesses of the life, ministry, teaching, death, and resurrection (and pretty soon his ascension) of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will empower them to give that testimony. They should seek and wait for that empowerment. Am I seeking the filling of the Spirit to be empowered to witness? Is witnessing central in my life? Or am I distracted playing politics in the world, even in the Church?

Jesus leaves the world escorted by "men in white robes," probably angelic beings. His ascension is a sign of how his return will be. In the same manner in which he was taken, he will return. When he shows up, he will show up in the skies escorted by angelic beings and everyone will see him. I must not forget his return. I must remember his promise: He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” and the desire of my heart should be "Come, Lord Jesus." Is it my expectation and desire to see the return of my Lord?

Jesus, come soon! Give me the power through your Spirit to be a witness and testify to the whole world about you. Don't let me be distracted by politics or anything else. Amen.

Matthew 24:36-51 No One Knows That Day and Hour

Over twenty years ago, I bought a book entitled "88 Reasons Why Christ will Return in 88." Well, we are still waiting. It was a foolish book that ignored the Scriptures and I was foolish enough to buy it. I guess I was intrigued by the signs of the times and wanted to make sure I was ready for it. But fixing a date for Christ's return is the most foolish thing one can try. No one knows, not even the angels nor the Son, but the Father only.

To set my expectations right, Jesus compares his coming to the days of Noah. The days of Noah are characterized by eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. In other words, they were living their lives with no concern for God until the flood hit them. It will be the same for the return of Christ. Most people will not be concerned about God or how to live for him, but will be going about their business in life like usual. 

The most important thing about Christ's return is to be ready for it. Jesus uses the image of a thief breaking into a house. He says that if the owner had known when the thief was going to strike, he would have stayed awake to prevent the break-in. In the same way, I am to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man. Only a few people were ready for the flood in the days of Noah and it will be the same for the return of the Son of Man.

How can I be ready? Using the picture of a servant, Jesus explains how to be ready. To be ready, I must be faithful and wise in the work of the kingdom. The delay of my Master is not an excuse to behave badly - abusing relationships, wasting resources, and being lazy. I must continue to work as if my Master were to return today. I want him to catch me working in his kingdom and not being a sluggard. I can't take his delay as an excuse to do whatever I want.

Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful. Fill my life with a sense of expectation as I live day by day. May I never take your delay as an excuse to behave badly. May I be ready for your return.