"Looking Up, Moving Forward"

Introduction

Context: After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples gather, filled with questions about the kingdom of Israel's restoration. Jesus redirects their focus to a broader mission, promising the Holy Spirit's empowerment for global witness. This culminates in Jesus' ascension and the angelic assurance of His return.

1. The Question of Timing (Acts 1:6)

Acts 1:6 ESV

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Insight:

The history of Isreal is very complex. There have been many changes throughout history.

In the beginning they were monotheistic, meaning they worshipped one God, Yahweh. This distinguished them form other religions that were polytheistic (the worship of many gods)

In time the Israelites rejected God.

The Israelites wanted a king so the Lord gave them whet they wanted, and from this point forward they would be in and out of fellowship with God.

Monarchy Establishment: The transition to a monarchy represents a significant socio-political shift. According to the biblical narrative, before the kings, the Israelites were organized as a loose confederation of tribes led by judges, who were more like tribal chieftains or military leaders appointed in times of crisis. The request for a king (1 Samuel 8) was motivated by the desire for centralized leadership and to be like other nations, which had monarchs as rulers.

1 Samuel 8:7–9 ESV

7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”

Saul, David, and Solomon: Saul became the first king, followed by David, who established Jerusalem as the capital, and then Solomon, who built the First Temple. These developments marked the height of early Israelite power and unity.

Ebbs and Flows of Freedom

Through the years to come the Israelites ebbed and flowed through different leaderships including the Davidic Kingdom, the Assyrian and Babylonian exile, the Persian and Hellenistic periods, and the Hasmonean Dynasty.

Israels rejection of God turned in to political, social and economical nightmare. At the time of the book of Acts they were under the thumb of Roman rule. This robbed them of their former political and military strength, they truly were not even recognizable as to what they once were.

So in Acts 1:6 they truly believed that Jesus had come to restore them to their rightful kingdom.

What they failed to understand is they had their chance, but God wasn’t good enough, they turned their backs to Him in their impatience.

The lesson here is that God’s timing is not our timing. We like the Israelite’s are impatient, instead of allowing God to work things our for our own good, in His divine timing we seek certainty on our own plans and futures. Our call is to trust in God’s timing and prepare ourselves for the mission He has entrusted to us.

2. Empowered for a Mission (Acts 1:7-8)

Acts 1:7–8 ESV

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 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.”

Over concentrating on the end times can have several potential dangers and negative impacts on believers. Jesus knows this and that is why He speaks against it. It can lead to several issues such as:

Neglect of Present Responsibilities: over focusing on the end times clouds our current mission of personal growth, caring for others, evangelism, social justice, stewardship, we need to live our our faith now not sit back and wait on the end of days.

Spiritual imbalance:

Insight: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that their power will come not from political or earthly authority but from God. The scope of their mission extends “to the ends of the earth,” indicating a universal calling.Application: We are reminded that our strength and calling come from the Holy Spirit. Our mission is not confined to our immediate community but extends globally, requiring reliance on spiritual empowerment over personal or institutional power.

3. Fear and Anxiety

Focusing on the end times too much can cause fear and anxiety, constantly worrying about judgment and tribulation and the signs of the end can dampen hope. Christianity is meant to offer comfort, help and hope.

4. Division and Conflict

Eschatological views are diverse and complex, with various interpretations among Christians. Overemphasis on particular end times scenarios can lead to division and conflict within churches and between believers, detracting from the unity and love that should characterize Christian communities. Instead of arguing on pre,mid or post tribulation we should concentrate on being ready.

5. Vulnerability to False Teaching

An obsession with the end times can make individuals susceptible to false teachings and predictions about the end of the world. History is replete with examples of leaders who have manipulated followers with specific dates or events, leading to disappointment, disillusionment, and sometimes tragic outcomes.

John Hagee: the pastor of mega-church cornerstone in San Antonio Texas has made several end-times predictions: you guessed it he was wrong, were still here. So what does he do? changes the date. He claims to be a prophet, I claim him to be wrong.

Jehovah's Witnesses - This Christian denomination has made several predictions about the end of the world, notably in 1914, 1925, 1975, and more recently, suggesting that the end would come before the end of the 20th century.

Others worth mentioning are , Nostradamus, William Miller, Harold Camping, David Koresh, Edgar Cayce, Hal Lindsey and many many more.

All of them were wrong and I have a news flash for them.

Matthew 24:36 ESV

36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

3. The Ascension: A Call to Witness (Acts 1:9-11)

Acts 1:9–11 ESV

9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

The Ascension V9

Theological Significance: The ascension signifies Jesus' glorification and His return to the divine realm. It marks the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly ministry, interceding on behalf of humanity.

Symbolism of the Cloud: In the Bible, clouds often symbolize God's presence and glory. The cloud receiving Jesus emphasizes His divine nature and His entrance into the heavenly domain.

Let’s go deeper in the clouds

The Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings:

Exodus 13:21-22: During the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, God led them by day in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way. This cloud represented God's guiding presence. Exodus 16:10:

When Aaron spoke to the whole Israelite community, they looked toward the desert, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. Exodus 24:15-18:

Moses entered the cloud as he went up on Mount Sinai. The cloud covered the mountain for six days, and on the seventh day, God called to Moses from within the cloud. The cloud and the consuming fire on the mountaintop signified God's glorious presence.

Tabernacle and Temple:

Exodus 40:34-38: When the Tabernacle was erected in the desert, the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. The cloud and God’s glory signified His dwelling among His people.1 Kings 8:10-11:

At the dedication of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, the cloud filled the temple to the point that the priests could not perform their service. This cloud represented the glory of the Lord filling His house.

Prophetic Visions:

Daniel 7:13-14: Daniel’s vision of "one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven" approaches the Ancient of Days and is led into His presence. The clouds here symbolize divine authority and the heavenly realm .Ezekiel 1:4:

In Ezekiel’s opening vision, he sees a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The cloud is part of the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

New Testament References:

Matthew 17:5: During the Transfiguration of Jesus, a bright cloud covered Him and the disciples, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

The cloud signifies God's presence and approval.Revelation 1:7: In John’s apocalyptic vision, Jesus is described as coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him. This imagery uses the cloud as a symbol of divine glory and the eschatological appearance of Christ.

So how can we apply Acts 1:6-11 to our lives today? here are 8 ways.

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty:

The disciples' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel reflects our desire for clarity and control over future events. Jesus’ response redirects us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing. Today, this teaches us to focus on God’s plans rather than our own, trusting that He knows best and relinquishing our need for control.

2. Empowerment for Global Mission:

Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit's power emphasizes that our ability to fulfill our mission comes not from human strength but from God. This power is for a purpose: to be witnesses to Christ's life, death, and resurrection "to the ends of the earth." This remains our mission—to share the Gospel locally and globally, empowered by the Spirit.

3. Anticipation of Christ’s Return:

The assurance of Jesus’ return, as He ascended, gives us hope and motivates us to live faithfully. Knowing that Jesus will return should inspire us to live lives that reflect His teachings, to stay vigilant in our faith, and to encourage others with the hope of His coming.

4. Active Waiting:

The angels' message to the disciples, questioning their gaze into the sky, serves as a reminder that while waiting for Jesus' return, we are to be actively engaged in God's work. Active waiting involves worship, service, and mission, not passive observation or disengagement from the world.

5. Witnessing in Everyday Life:

Being witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth translates today into witnessing in our homes, communities, broader society, and globally. This includes not only evangelism but living out the implications of the Gospel in every aspect of life—social justice, care for the needy, ethical integrity, and personal relationships.

6. Unity in Diversity:

The spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to diverse regions symbolizes the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, embracing all peoples and cultures. This challenges us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ, working towards unity and understanding across different backgrounds and traditions.

7. Dependence on the Holy Spirit:

The disciples were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit's power before beginning their mission. Similarly, our effectiveness in witness and service is contingent upon our reliance on the Holy Spirit. This encourages us to seek spiritual guidance and strength through prayer, Scripture, and communal worship.

8. Hope in the Midst of Uncertainty:

In uncertain times, the certainty of Jesus’ return and the promise of the Holy Spirit provide hope and assurance. These promises remind us that, despite the challenges we face, God's ultimate victory is assured, and we are part of His redemptive plan for the world.

Acts 1:6-11, therefore, speaks to us about the nature of God’s kingdom, our role within it, and the promise of Jesus' return. It calls us to a life of trust, empowered witness, active engagement in God’s mission, and hopeful anticipation of Christ’s second coming.