We Still Have Work to Do

With everything taking place in the world today, it is understandable why many Christians are perplexed and living with fear and uncertainty. It is also understandable why there has been increased interest in end- times events. Whenever the world begins to experience catastrophic crises, many people start looking for the Lord’s return.

In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus addresses the question of where our focus ought to be about the time we are living in. In Acts 1:6, the disciples asked Jesus this question: “…Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” The disciples were interested in the same things that most Christians are interested in today who may be asking, “Jesus, when will you set up your kingdom and rule and reign on this earth?” This, of course, will become a reality at some point.

Notice Jesus’ response in Acts 1:7. “And He said unto them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.’” Jesus did not say that there was to be no restoration of the kingdom to Israel; He simply said that speculation about the time and date of this restoration was not a priority for the disciples.

In the next verse, Acts 1:8, Jesus returns to what He wanted the disciples to hear: an emphasis on receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. For what purpose? For the purpose of evangelism. For the purpose of spreading the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth.

I believe we are living in the last days. However, I also believe that we still have work to do. That work includes what Jesus said in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” This is still the message for the church today! God the Father is waiting for a harvest. The harvest is God’s number one priority. The harvest is the closest thing to the heart of our Heavenly Father.

We still have work to do! There are so many unique opportunities that are before us. We have the most incredible message to share. We have received the most extraordinary power to equip us for the mission. It is appropriate to keep the return of the Lord fresh on our minds. It is equally appropriate to use that promise as the primary motivation to reach the world with the Gospel!

Let me encourage you to look for opportunities to share the Gospel with your friends, family, and coworkers. Ask the Lord what you can do to be a part of gathering in the harvest in these last days. We live in one of the most remarkable periods of the history of the world. Never before have we had the opportunities and the technology we do now to reach people with the Gospel. Let’s work together to accomplish the plan and the will of our Heavenly Father!