Focus on Jesus

Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

 

The disciples did not get it. Even after Jesus had been crucified and He rose from the dead, they were still clueless about the Kingdom of God. They did not understand the Kingdom they would inherit is not of this world, and it showed by the questions they asked. “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” It is a snare for us to desire great things on this earth — even great "Christian" things. Jesus was not concerned or impressed with great people, places, or things, and He did not want His disciples to be either. They were to be fully focused on their relationship to the Father. What are you focusing on?

 

"The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

 

The Christian life is a spiritual phenomenon, not an earthly one; and we are to walk by faith and not by sight. So, why is there still so much preaching and prophesying about material blessings, breakthroughs, and prosperity — things we can see and handle? It is because many Christians (like the disciples) are still carnal in their thinking, and they are looking for the Lord to do what they desire, not what He desires. Once the disciples received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, their hearts were changed, and their eyes were lifted up to heaven; and they could finally see the Lord and come to understand what He has said to them. They were no longer bound by their own affections, but they began to see the Kingdom of God in all its glory. We, too, must receive the Spirit of God, if we are to see the Lord and His Kingdom on earth. So, stop looking down and around, leave the world alone and look to Jesus, and Him alone. Look with the eyes of faith, see the Kingdom within, and see the glory of the Lord.

 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, my eyes are fixed on You today. Lift me up where You dwell, and give me heaven's perspective, so that I might walk in wisdom and assurance. Amen.