PHILLIPPO BAPTIST CHURCH, SPANISH TOWN 9.00 AM JULY 30, 2023
SCRIPTURE: ACTS Chapter 1: Verses 1-8
The final instruction given by Jesus to His disciples was brief, precise, and specific: Do not leave Jerusalem. Wait for the gift promised by my Father of which you have heard me speak. In a few days you will be baptized by the Holy Spirit.
The disciples then gathered around Jesus and ask one last question: Lord, will you at this time give back the Kingdom to Israel?
The instruction of Jesus is simple and clear. Now that I am leaving you, going forward you must wait and be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The disciples’ question has no clear or apparent connection to the instruction of Jesus. The
instruction and the question are unconnected. The question is a non-sequitur. The question shouts of misunderstanding Jesus.
The instruction of Jesus was not new. They had heard Jesus speak and teach on this subject many times over their three years of following Him. Jesus was reminding them of how they would be spread the Gospel and be His witnesses. Their question looked back to history, was political, reeked of nationalism, and hoped for world dominion.
Going forward while looking backward and misunderstanding Jesus is a pitfall that we as believers must strive to avoid. We are no different from the first disciples. Any difference is in circumstances no substance.
