Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“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.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, April 19, 2020
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: The disciples became witnesses of the moments that would restore Israel and all humanity.
The disciples were still waiting for Jesus to restore the kingdom of Israel from its oppression from Rome. Even after Jesus’ death and resurrection, when Jesus appeared to them and gave them instructions regarding continuing his ministry, they were still focused on the political endgame.
But Jesus’ words and actions never were about defeating Rome. His message was far more impactful. Jesus challenged individuals to defeat their inner demons. He challenged communities to cease violence and war. He challenged classes and races to look upon all people as equal.
It shows the complex nature of Jesus’ words and actions. The disciples wanted concrete answers. Jesus wouldn’t give them the answers they sought. There would be no single moment when Israel would be restored. Israel’s (and humanity’s) restoration would happen one moment at a time. The moment an unlikely relationship was formed. The moment a sword was put down. The moment a widow was fed.
The disciples (and we) were charged with making these moments happen. They and we are challenged to witness and share the moments when others make them happen. Jesus’ disciples prepared their hearts and minds to be in tune with the moments by “constantly devoting themselves to prayer.” Through prayer, they opened their hearts and minds to awareness of the things of God happening in the world around them every day, and courage to speak of what they witnessed. We are invited to do the same.
An
Exceptional
People
Blog Posts
SIGN UP NOW