The Great Clarification

Scripture: 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 the times or the dates, which the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8

Observation: The "great commission" was spoken not just as a final order, but also as a response and clarification to a misinterpretation of the disciples.

Just as Jesus is completing his time on earth, the disciples ask if he will now restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus' response, then in twofold. He first answers the "at this time" question ... they are not to be told the date and time. Second, he addresses the "to Israel" clause ... Jesus' salvation is for the entire world, so while they may start in Jerusalem and Judea, they must also go to the entire world.

Application: Even in this final moment, Jesus gives an example of how to properly respond to a question that has one-too-many assumptions in it. The disciples assume his full salvation is for the Jews, and he gently corrects them with an answer that, instead of responding, gives alternative instructions.

I am reminded that God's responses to my prayers have often taken this form. I do not receive direct responses to my prayers, but may instead receive clear leading and instructions in a manner that will later connect to my prayer.

I find myself now in need of such guidance. However, I am having difficulty even formulating my prayers. They seem to focus around very specific activities at work. I know God cares about me and my situation, but I am confident my issues are trivial at best, and unworthy of my concern since I am to place my trust in him instead. That said, even things I don't fret about still require proper action.

In this time, I have been seeking ways to adopt better daily practices and habits. Prayer - as I've said before - needs to make the list of something I do well every day. In this manner, I can receive God's clarifying correction, and be open to his loving and fruitful instructions.

Prayer: Dear Lord and father, you know my heart and my challenges. You know my worries and my struggles. May I bring these to you not for resolution, but for clarification. I do not seek solutions, but guidance. Help me in my daily walk so that I may improve the lives of others by bringing you love into this place. Amen.