Today’s Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:24-29; 12:1-16; Luke 17:20-37
[Jesus] said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” (Acts 1:7)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. No one knows when Jesus will come again in glory on the Last Day. Only God knows. Over the centuries many so-called “Christian” teachers have claimed to know when the Last Day would be. But the LORD Jesus said, “It is not for you to know times or seasons [regarding the Last Day].” So whenever we hear someone going on about knowing when the Last Day will be, we must instantly conclude that they are a false teacher and not listen to their teaching.
This is consistent with other things our LORD taught. For example, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). If any wisdom will keep us safe about Last Day predictions, then Matthew 6:34 is it. We have enough to focus on for today,especially since today is all we know we have on this earth! Luke in Acts 1 continues to teach us. The LORD Jesus before He ascended, led His disciples to anticipate the coming and pouring out of the Holy Spirit which happened at Pentecost for them and at your Baptism for you.
Once we have received the Holy Spirit and His gift of faith worked in us through Holy Baptism, then what? Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). So get back to when you were given the Holy Spirit at your Holy Baptism. Return to your Baptism every day. You have died with Christ and now you live with Him. And do whatever He has put in front of you to do. Befriend those around you. Get to know them and love them, and don’t worry about when the Last Day will be. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
LORD Jesus, Your kingdom continues to be in our midst as You come to us now through holy water, holy words, and holy food. Help us to see that Your kingdom is a kingdom of suffering, but that through suffering, we will be prepared to enter into glory when You return on that final day; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch
