Defining the Kingdom of Israel

Scripture: So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set 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, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:6-8

Observation: Even after his resurrection, there are questions about the mission of Messiah and the protection/restoration of Israel. The disciples ask Jesus, and he gives them an indirect answer, saying that it isn't for them to necessarily understand all things, but that indeed the Holy Spirit will soon come, and then they will go and pronounce the good news to the entire world.

This appears to dodge the question about Israel ... they ask when Israel will be restored, and Jesus instead tells them that they cannot know, but the Holy Spirit will soon come. However, another interpretation is that Jesus is clarifying what the intent of Israel always was, and that indeed soon that kingdom will in fact be restored, and by the very hands of the disciples.

Israel was to be the Lord's nation of priests, and they were to universally represent the Lord to the world. It was by being set apart - as a people group, and by their practices - that they could show to others the existence, love, and power of Yahweh. And JUST like that, when the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers, they become an entire assembly of priests. With the Holy Spirit, believers can universally pronounce the love and salvation of Jesus to the world. Believers with the Spirit are set apart - a people group with beliefs and practices - to show others the existence, love, and power of Yahweh ... and also to baptize and teach them the path to salvation through the Messiah.

The question was ... as Messiah, will Jesus restore the kingdom of Israel? The answer was ... yes, by the power of the Holy Spirit, believers in Messiah are now restoring the mission of the kingdom of Israel.

Application: I am a member of the kingdom of Israel. I am a priest, set apart from the ways of the world, to witness to everyone.

I often wish the Holy Spirit were stronger within me. I do know I have the Spirit, but I also know that my sins keep the Holy Spirit at a certain distance from my heart. The Lord works within me, but not as greatly as he might if I fully surrendered. I desire to do that. I am proud to be a follower of Jesus, and to inherit both the honor and responsibility of the original kingdom of Israel.

Prayer: Lord, may I be closer to you, and may I be a better priest in your kingdom, every day. Amen.