The roots of my family tree go back to Virginia. I remember reading about a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia who showed a guest a gun that dated back to the time of the Revolutionary War. The guest asked, “So did your ancestor use this gun to join George Washington in the battle for independence from England?” “No,” the Virginian answered, “My Great Great Grandfather never thought Washington was much of a leader.”
Do others ever doubt you? I confess, people doubt me and sometimes, I doubt myself. And for good reason! If someone doubted George Washington as a leader, they would have every right to doubt me.
I am surprised, however, that people doubted Jesus. Even at the mountain of the Great Commission, it says, “They worshiped Jesus, but some doubted.” To be clear, after he rose from the dead, they still doubted. The Jews expected a Messiah who would restore the Kingdom of Israel and sit on David’s throne. Jesus had not done that. Yet. But there was still time.
So the disciples asked, “Is now the time when you restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus answered honestly, “Not for you to know.” To this day, we speculate and calculate about Jesus’ return and restoration of all things. We see the signs around us and say, “Is it now?” To be honest, I think we should be honest. We do not know.
Instead of calculating and designing charts, Jesus offers us an alternative. In the power of the Holy Spirit, bear witness to Jesus everywhere you go. Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled ten days later. I know. It happened 2000 years ago. Is now the time? Not for us to know the times and seasons the Father has appointed. But all who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit have a responsibility. We must tell others what Jesus has done for us. If we place our trust in Jesus as our great Leader and Lord, our trust is so well-placed.
