May 29
Bible Reading: Acts 1:6-11
Acts 1:6-7, “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.’”
When I was a student at Seminary, a newly published book caused quite a stir. Edgar C. Whisenant, a former NASA engineer and Bible student, predicted that the rapture would occur in 1998. He published a book entitled, “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will be in 1988.” Bookstores eventually sold 4.5 million copies. I joked that maybe the author should publish a sequel in 1989, “89 Reasons Why the Rapture Will be in 1989,” though he’d have been unlikely to sell any copies. There have been many attempts to set such dates, but it is not for us to know the times the Father has fixed by His own authority.
That the disciples asked Jesus about the Kingdom is no surprise. Recall the disappointment of the Emmaus-bound disciples: “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21).” The disciples were more-than-ready for the Risen-Jesus to restore Israel and deal with those despicable Romans. Who doesn’t want a perfect ruler and the perfect peace and safety associated with living in a perfect kingdom?
Notable in Jesus’ response is one simple word, “but” (Acts 1:8). It was not then the time for Jesus to restore the kingdom of Israel, He had a greater plan, in the building of His church, that would eventually work to encompass the entire world. The plan involved spreading the good news of His death for sins and resurrection from the dead in “Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We should be glad-hearted about such a plan, for “the end of the earth” is where we live. And the mandate to spread the good news still stands. The church on earth exists to bear witness of Jesus. A heavenly kingdom lies in our future, but for now, we’ve got a life-saving message to share.
“What are we here for, to have a good time with Christians or to save sinners?” – Malla Moe
JESUS SAVES!
We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to ev’ry land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward! ‘tis our Lord’s command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Waft it on the rolling tide:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Tell to sinners far and wide:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing, ye islands of the sea;
Echo back, ye ocean caves;
Earth shall keep her jubilee:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing above the battle strife:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing it softly through the gloom,
When the heart for mercy craves;
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Give the winds a mighty voice:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free,
Highest hills and deepest caves;
This our song of victory:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
LookingtoJesus 