Entrust the Time and Date to the Father (Acts 1:6-8) 11/17/2024
Eternal Answer of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd RUTC:
Entrust the Time and Date to the Father (Acts 1:6-8) 11/17/2024
Before Christ ascended to heaven, the disciples asked an important question: “Is this the time you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” This question stemmed from Israel’s reality of being under Roman rule for a long time.
Similarly, we all face many problems of our reality in life. These issues are significant, and they cannot simply be ignored. They can weigh heavily on our lives and cause serious stress and pain.
How did Jesus respond? He said, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority” (Acts 1:7). At first glance, this may seem as though God is ignoring our needs. But what does this really mean? Both individuals and the world face endless problems and pain. We must find the answer God provides.
- “It is under the Father’s authority” This means holding onto God’s absolute sovereignty. Among the “10 Platforms of Faith” we believe in, one is “God’s absolute sovereignty.” What does absolute sovereignty mean? At least three things:
1) God, who created all things, governs the world and our lives with an absolute plan. Just as God is perfect, His plan is also perfect. It is higher and deeper than our lives (Isaiah 55:7-9). No matter our injustices, pains, needs, or failures, God neither abandons, ignores, nor overlooks us (Hebrews 13:5). This is why we must pray deeply when we face problems or hardships (Jeremiah 33:2-3). If we judge and act based on our own standards, we may end up on a path completely different from God’s (e.g., Judas Iscariot’s failure).
2) Within God’s absolute sovereignty is His absolute love. This doesn’t mean He acts like a dictator seeking selfish desires. Instead, He has absolute love for all humanity. Out of this love, He chose us, the weakest and most unworthy, and redeemed us through the death of Christ on the cross. Satan did not understand this and caused Christ’s crucifixion. Even now, he seeks to destroy us (Romans 8:31-39). Thus, God shows compassion to anyone who repents and returns to Him (Isaiah 55:7).
3) God’s absolute sovereignty includes His absolute power to transform all things for His glory (power of re-creation). If we truly believe and love God, He will work all things—our problems, crises, and failures—for good (Romans 8:28). Even our smallest actions can become eternal blessings and works that glorify God.
- This means trusting in and waiting on God’s absolute sovereignty.
Waiting is an act of faith. More accurately, it’s not us waiting on God—it’s God waiting for us.
1) God waits for us to reach complete salvation and to understand and obey His deep will. God called Abraham from an idol-worshiping family, waited until he was 100 years old to give him Isaac, and even waited until Abraham was willing to offer Isaac back to Him. Through countless problems and events, God raised Abraham’s descendants, and through Abraham’s descendants, God formed the nation of Israel and eventually brought Christ into the world. Similarly, God led Moses and David through many pains and failures while waiting for them. Today, in this age, God is waiting for us.
2) How long should we wait? We should wait for three answers:
① The answer that finds solutions within problems. In every problem we face, find the absolute reason why only Christ is the answer. Then, even greater problems can be overcome with victory.
② The answer that finds renewal within conflicts. Use conflicts as opportunities for personal transformation. Every conflict can become a chance to be shaped into a vessel that God can use for greater works.
③ The answer that finds opportunities within crises. Crises and opportunities always come together. Whether in families, churches, or organizations, at the end of the tunnels of pain, there will be time of light and blessings (Isaiah 45:7).
- What does God want to accomplish with His absolute sovereignty?
It’s not just about solving problems. His ultimate desire is to make us witnesses to the ends of the earth. This is the conclusion of the blessings we must focus on.
1) “When the Holy Spirit comes on you.”
① For those who are saved, the Holy Spirit is already with us (Ephesians 1:13; John 14:16-18; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
② Now, we must experience the Holy Spirit ruling over us, filling us, and working within us. This allows us to live beyond our standards and experience God’s works. Such individuals are the saints and the church. Only then can we transcend everything, embrace all, and save everyone.
③ Times will grow increasingly difficult. We will encounter incomprehensible situations and people. But the gospel has the power to save and transform all. We are called to be used for this work in this age (1 Peter 2:9).
2) “You will receive power.”
① With my own will and strength, I cannot even change myself. If I cannot change myself, how can I change or save anyone else? This is why Jesus said, “Receive the power of the Holy Spirit.”
② Are you going through difficult times? Pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to take hold of you. This is being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to understand the depths of God and all the gifts He has given us by grace (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). When appointing church officers, God’s standard is this: “Someone full of the Spirit, wisdom, and faith” (Acts 6:3-5).
③ The word “power” here in Greek is “dynamis” (which is the root of the English word “dynamite.”) It is the power to break through our weaknesses, limitations, wounds, diseases, and even the strongholds of Satan (2 Corinthians 10:4; Luke 8:46).
3) We are standing as witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
① Jerusalem is yourselves and your families. It is knowing and experiencing the grace and blessings you’ve received individually and as a family.
② Judea is your close neighbors. Let them witness how God has helped you have victory and blessed you. God will raise them to be witnesses of you.
③ Samaria is places that others do not go to, avoid, or overlook. God will use you to save even these people. He will provide all the evidence you need to do this work. Satan seeks to distract us from this blessing with current problems and conflicts. He makes us lose hold of all blessings. That is real injustice.
④ Ends of the earth refers to all nations and peoples. The world is in pain and searching for answers, but there is no one to provide them the answers (Luke 10:2). Pray so that your today, your life, your businesses, and even your problems may be used for the work that God truly desires.
Conclusion: Problems will continue in this world. Seek the answers that God gives and focus on the blessings of His conclusion.
11.17.24 Entrust the Time and Date to the Father