Kingdom Now?!

We are in this story!

This is Good News! Sometimes we can read the Bible and not know whether it will really make a difference or apply to our life. But, this is one where we can put ourselves in. The Disciples have just experienced the death and resurrection of Jesus. They could not imagine what was going on and here about 40 days afterwards they ask a question.

Questions are important!

As people of Jesus we need to know questions are okay, and to be encouraged. Some of the greatest experiences with Christ came because of a questions. There is nothing wrong with having questions.

Is the Kingdom now?

This was their question. A very legitimate and reasonable question. It is similar to, “are we there yet?” The disciples are asking about restoration, transformation, and the culmination of the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom is future/not yet.

There is coming a day when all will see Christ’s kingdom and his reign. Paul states in Philippians 2.9-10 that every near will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth”. This is still to come, as we very well know. The world around us live in denial, ignorance and generally unaware of Christ’s kingdom and reign. Sometimes I must admit, so do I. I forget to be aware of who is in charge.

We don’t know God’s calendar.

This should be reassuring but in reality it leads to a host of other questions. When will I know Jesus is coming back? What does the book of Revelation mean? Who is ________? Are we in the last days? How much worse can it get? All valid questions. All worthy of investigation but my concern is that while we are trying to figure out all the answers we miss out on the joy of following Jesus today.

The Kingdom is now/already!

Jesus death, resurrection and ascension is the coronation event of Jesus’ reign. In his answer in verse 7 he is saying, the kingdom is here, just not how you imagined it.

We are messengers of the kingdom!

This is our job. We are to tell others of the true King who sits on the throne.

We have the power of the King!

This is part of what the Holy Spirit does, gives us the power and authority of King Jesus. Jesus is not only giving us a mission, he gave us the ability to do the mission. He is also so very confident in his words, we can do this!

It is easy to be distracted!

I love the final verses of our passage this morning, it is very encouraging to me. Jesus ascends up into the clouds. How awesome would that be to see? The disciples do what most of us would do, just stare. They are awestruck by what Christ has just done! The same is true in our life. When Christ shows up and shows off we can get awestruck. I believe some of this is necessary, we need to stop and reflect on what Christ has done so we can share His story. Sometimes though in our walk we look too long at what Christ has done and forget our purpose and mission.

The promise: Jesus is coming back.

The angels once again are the first to herald this news. He is the news we share, Jesus is coming again. We do not know when.

We have a mission to live out.

The framework is simple: start close then go far.

We can do it! All of us!

The Holy Spirit gives us the power. We are never powerless in this world if we are with Jesus.

The question: how will I/we be a witness?

This is always the question. The rest of the book of acts is how the early church answered the question.