Ouch. In Acts chapter 1 this morning a few things popped out at me. This is one. It had not been too awful long before Acts that the crowds cheered and praised because they thought Jesus was coming into town to reclaim political power, to free them from oppressive government. That same crowd was quick to turn on Him, screaming "crucify Him, we have no king but Ceasar, when they realized He had no intention of messing with earthly kingdoms. In effect saying, 'we choose government over following You. this earthly king is our king, not You'. Here the disciples are, again, imploring "are You restoring the kingdom to Israel, now? Is it time? (Acts 1:6) We often times forget that these were the ones who walked day in and day out with Jesus, studying His ways...what was important, what wasn't. And Jesus STILL had to refocus their attention and intentions. Then remind them what the real goal was. How beautiful is this? How fitting still today?! It isn't for us to know the time or seasons when things will be made right, when oppressions will end....we need not focus on that. There is something much, much, much better...much, much, much more important. The Holy Spirit empowering us to be witnesses of Jesus to people close, to people considered undesirable, and people at the farthest points of the earth. Strategic as all get out. Don't you think? The heart change produced by knowing Jesus and following Him is the only end to oppressions, and restoration of Godly governing. By focusing on THE kingdom...His Kingdom. Not on earthly things or kingdoms. "It is not your place to know the times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. BUT you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:7-8 Witness (google dictionary) - evidence; proof. - have knowledge of (an event or change) from personal observation or experience.
Considerations of a Wildflower 