Monday, May 12, 2014

Restore a kingdom for temporal people or people for an Eternal Kingdom?

Acts 1:6-8 - "So when they had come together, they asked Him, 'Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, 'It is not for you to know 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.'"

This took place after Jesus' resurrection and just before His ascension.

Do you ever find yourself consumed with your current personal life, hoping that God keeps restoring the current kingdom instead of looking to and seeking the benefit of God's Eternal Kingdom?

I'm not saying that you should abandon life and commit to being a monk. God requires us to be good stewards of those things He's entrusted you with. 

The key word is "consumed". A Good way to find out what you are consumed with is to ask yourself, "What occupies my thoughts and time?" 

Is it finances (lack or pursuit of)? Is your career what you "eat, sleep and drink"?  Is your hobby what relaxes you and puts you in a peaceful state of mind?  Are you consumed with exercise? Are you consumed with food? You can even be occupied with "R&R" - Rest and Relaxation (too much).

Jesus' disciples were asking if He was going to restore their present, earthly conditions by ruling, but He wasn't concerned about that...that time will come. For now, Jesus simply commanded them to focus on building and laying up treasures in heaven.

It's no different today. 

How do we focus on building and laying up treasures in heaven?

By leading people to Jesus Christ and teaching them the Bible. Your life for God will be a treasure you send out ahead of you that will be waiting for you in heaven.

Matthew 6:19-21 - "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Be a witness to people for Jesus for an Eternal Kingdom and lay up treasure in heaven.

No comments: