FRIDAY August 5, 2022
Is Christ Setting up His Kingdom?
Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority....”
Acts 1:6-7
In the New Testament, the disciples asked Jesus an important question: “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Is this it? Is this the Millennium Kingdom? Are You are going to set up Your kingdom? Are you going to reign as King, and will we rule with You? Is this the end of the age?
As Jesus had powerfully resurrected, Christ’s disciples thought for sure He would now defeat the Roman government, set up the kingdom, and they, as His Apostles would sit on thrones:
“Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28).
Surely, now was the time Jesus would go to Mount Zion, and the Temple would be rebuilt. Again they thought this was it! But it was way too early! There were still many more prophecies that needed to be fulfilled. That is why Jesus told them: “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority....”
In Romans 9, the Apostle Paul spoke about Israel’s past. In Romans 10, Paul spoke about Israel’s present, and in Romans 11:1, he spoke of Israel’s future: I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not!
I believe, biblically, we have a responsibility to pray for the peace of Israel: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you (Psalm 122:6). I love the beautiful people of Israel. It is because of them that we are blessed. We have a great hope!
“In your [Abraham’s] seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed....”
~Genesis 22:18~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
