3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
It is amazing how we tend toward concerning ourselves with matters that are beyond our control and not in our place to ponder. Jesus was promising to give them the greatest gift they will ever receive, greater than restoring the Kingdom to Israel! He promised the Holy Spirit! After Jesus was Baptized by John, the Holy Spirit Descended up Jesus like a dove and Did Jesus Ministry ever truly begin after that! How much more so will your life be filled with power, now! And to know He is with you makes all the comforting difference in the world!
In the NAS Version, Jesus said it like this: "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority.
Not for us to know the times or the epochs, that the Father has fixed by His own Authority; Jesus after His Suffering and Resurrection appeared to His disciples over a period of 40 days, he had just promised them they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
They did not get it, they asked if he was going to restore the kingdom to Earthly Israel!
Lesson:
Acts 1:7 Jesus said it like this: "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority
Why ponder in matters too great for you reserved only for God's Sovereign Purposes? Tread in places meant to be, and avoid treading where you cannot see!Then the excitement is just beginning when we tread in the power of thee, O precious Holy Spirit!
We can be so earthly preoccupied wanting to set up our own kingdom on earth; that in the authority of man centered thinking we try to figure out the times, seasons and date of the end times and Jesus' return. Yes, the Father has fixed the times and Epochs, and in his Authority and Sovereign will, it will be ushered in and Jesus will make all things new bringing in the new Heaven and earth.
What is that to you? Make a difference today, by focusing your attention to follow Him today through the power of the Holy Spirit.
But forget about trying to figure out the exact dates and times using numbers and speculations. But rather, concern yourself with being Faithful to His call in your life and rely on his grace to get to know Him now!
The excitement is just beginning when we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit; we are to concern ourselves to daily rely on the Holy Spirit and His power to apply God's Word in our daily life and application. Concern yourself with being faithful. Do not presume upon God's Graces to determine the dates and seasons of your life. It is not up to you to tell God, its time, take me home...Rather, declare: not my will but your will be daily done in my life. And Grace will be sufficient for each day.
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