Healing and Restoration

In the book of Acts (1:6-8), after Jesus has been raised from the dead, he is with his disciples in person for the very last time. They ask him, “Lord is the the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?

It was widely believed that when the Messiah came, he would free Israel from foreign military occupation, which at that time was the Roman Empire. But restoring Israel was only a part of it. The messiah was going to usher in God’s reign – a time of peace and restoration.

So their question was really getting at something deeper. Jesus, when are you going to set things right? When will there be no more hungry children in our community; no more violence; no more destructive addictions; no more broken relationships, no more war?

It’s interesting how Jesus answers: “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.”

And then he turns their question around: It’s not for you to know when, but… you are going to have a hand in it. He says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;” You want things set right, just wait. God’s going to give you the power to be a part of it. He adds, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

At the end of his time on earth, Jesus is saying to his disciples: You’re asking about the healing and restoration of the world – that’s what God’s been about in me – and now – that’s what God’s going to be about in you.

I wonder in what small ways you might feel led to be a part of the healing and restoration of the world… I wonder, close to home, how you personally might have influence… I wonder in what ways God may be tugging on your heart and even empowering you to show his love.

Let us pray: Loving God, we thank you for your call on our lives. We pray for healing and restoration first in our own hearts. But even as we are being healed and restored, may we be instruments of your love and grace; through Jesus Christ. Amen.