Tag: Mind-filled Morning

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.

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While reading/listening to Exodus this morning I found myself wondering why in the world God was so stinking specific about how the Tabernacle, and everything in it, was to be built, arranged and adorned. We do have a very accurate picture of it now because of such detail. But why did it matter so much? Like a sweet whisper, I felt a clarity…because years later His Tabernacle would become those who choose to live for Him, who accept His offer of reconciliation though Jesus. He will take just as much interest and detailed care in those Tabernacles as well. Tabernacle being…”…the portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh…”. I looked it up as the thought penetrated and unfolded in my mind/heart. Never ceases to amaze me. As He created us in His image He knew we would absolutely delight in the continuous unfolding and unveiling. In my heart I can hear the proud, delighted chuckle of a father, as his child looks back at him in excited wonder after she stumbles upon a golden nugget he hid some time before, just out of sight.