WORK TO DO

In the first chapter of Acts, Luke starts the sequel to his gospel with a quick recap - a few scenes like you might get on Netflix these days announced with the words "Previously on the Gospel According to Luke". 

Luke says that his previous book was about "all that Jesus began to do and to teach". (That word "began" is interesting!) Then he brings us into that final scene of his gospel, where Jesus and the disciples are on a hillside, about to say goodbye.

Luke says Jesus had been sharing a lot about the Kingdom of God in those 40 days between his resurrection and this hillside. But apparently it was kind of going over the disciples' heads. Because next He tells the disciples that they are to wait in Jerusalem because they were about to experience baptism in the Holy Spirit.

And how do the disciples respond after Jesus has just dropped this huge news? 

"Ok. But what about the Kingdom? Is this the point where Israel boots the Romans and God puts you on the throne of Israel?" 

Does Jesus do a face palm here? The Holy Spirit is coming! To live inside you! To provide you power to live life on an entirely different level!

"But what about our earthly king?"

Jesus redirects them: "The date is set for that, but that's not for us to know. BUT you missed the headline, guys. Again ... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you!"

And then the kicker: "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 

I think, in the minds of the disciples, a King on the nation's throne meant GOD was going to take control and the lives of the people would be easier because of the power their King would exercise."

But Jesus tells them that even though that day IS coming, in the meantime, THEY are the ones who are going to have to work. THEY are going to be witnessing to others about God's work. 

THEY have work to do before the King assumes the throne of Israel.