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II Samuel 20:14-21:22, Acts 1:1-26, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 16:18
“And another time when He appeared to them, they asked Him, ‘Lord, are You going to free Israel from Rome now and restore us as an independent nation?’ ‘The Father sets those dates,’ He replied, ‘and they are not for you to know. But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power to testify about me with great effect, to the people in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, about My death and resurrection.'” Acts 1:6-8
Love it. Yesterday Jesus told us not to worry about other people, but rather to be concerned with ourselves. Today, He is telling us about the land of Nunya. The disciples are wanting to know if their liberation from Rome will come. This is the whole reason why Israelites were looking for a coming Messiah and this is the reason why many fell away from Jesus. They didn’t realize the freedom they sought and the freedom they needed were two different things. In response to their question, Jesus says, “Nunya! It’s nunya business about when the Father is going to do these things. Just know they will happen when they are supposed to.” And Jesus tells us today that we need to be prepared to grow in relationship with Him and reach other people with the wonderful new life we have found regardless of how our external circumstance appears. If we are in communist China, oppressive North Korea, socialist Venezuela, if we are rich or poor, it must make no difference in the reality of the gospel or our desire to proclaim it.
PRAYER: Father, I pray to be consistent in my walk with You regardless of my surroundings. If I find myself in a country that is hostile to the gospel show me ways to get the truth out. Reveal those who are hungry for You. Guide my path. May my relationship with You never be contingent on what I consider my blessings or lack thereof. Be real Lord, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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