Compelling and Captivating Vision
Jubilee Centre December 9th, 2009
In the book of Acts we see Jesus communicating a compelling and captivating vision that will direct his followers in their mission. He begins by commanding them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. Upon hearing these words the apostles asks a critical question, “Lord will you at this time restore the Kingdom to Israel?” The apostles asked because they were ardent 
students of the Old Testament and therefore, they were able to connect outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus had promised, with the coming of the kingdom that Ezekiel 36
and Joel 2 foretold. The people were expecting a political leader who would set up an earthly kingdom and get rid of Roman domination, persecution, and oppression. The challenge that Christians faced at that time is similar to what is being faced by African Christians today. We too are being dominated by political elites who have entrenched their positions of privilege and who have neglected the welfare of the majority of the people.
The apostle’s expectation of a literal, earthly kingdom was consistent with what Jesus taught. However, Jesus in his teaching showed that His kingdom would not take this form right away. First, he would go away for a while, and his followers would need to be faithful, hard-working, and complimentary in doing the work of the Lord during his absence. Upon His return, Jesus would inaugurate a kingdom more powerful and just than anything they could expect. The exact time of His return, however, remains unrevealed. He reminded them that it was not for them to know the times and seasons when the kingdom of Israel would be restored.
Jesus’ response to the apostle’s question was that the mission of spreading the gospel was the major reason for baptism in the Holy Spirit. His vision of reaching the world would come through the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostles responded in obedience by proclaiming the gospel, doing well, and advancing the rule of God. Similar to the apostle’s questioning, we are today asking why is God our Father not answering our prayer that His kingdom come as it is in heaven? Jesus’ answer is the same as yesterday: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” Just like his disciples, Jesus is instructing us to witness through the power of the Holy Spirit to people in all positions of life in our nations including politicians. Let us not allow the question of increasing African poverty cloud the answer Jesus is giving to his church today.
The plight of Africa is not only physical poverty; it is a poverty of leadership as well. With the ever growing church that is filled with men and women who are baptized in the Holy Spirit, there is no reason why we can’t have leaders in every sphere of life who are faithful, hard-working, obedient and whose aim is to serve people and to advance the kingdom of God on earth. Christian Africa is in dire need of Christian leaders in all areas of life-witnesses who tell the truth about Jesus and who are ready to die for their faith. We must ask ourselves, “Are our church member’s activities reaching outside the walls of our church and witnessing in this manner?” When we ask again why God is not answering our prayer that his Kingdom comes, maybe we should realize that He is presently asking us the same question.
Lawrence Temfwe
(Extracts from a message preached at New Hope Christian Centre)
