As we reflect on Ascension Day, and in particular Acts 1:6 – 14 we are challenged as to the nature of the Kingdom of God. The disciples asked the question: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” In many ways this was a perfectly understandable question to ask as Jesus had spent a lot of his earthly ministry talking about the kingdom of God. The disciples are impatient for this kingdom to be established but they expected: a political and territorial kingdom that would be established immediately, and one that was for Israel only.
But Jesus’ response broadens their horizons and challenges their expectations. God's Kingdom is not a place that can be drawn on a map; it is established in the hearts of those who choose to follow him. And the disciples are tasked with sharing the news about God “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (verse 8). God’s kingdom is not limited to a place or a people. It will not tolerate nationalism, racism, sexism, snobbery or anything that’s seeks to exclude people from the kingdom. It is for everyone. And Jesus puts the emphasis back on his disciples - it is for them to tell people, to demonstrate to people what the Kingdom of God is all about. And if we are God's disciples here and now this responsibility is also ours. It is up to us to ensure that we witness to God's love, grace, welcome - in short the life he offers.
And yet this is a task that we often fail at and so we look to our celebration of Pentecost - reminding ourselves that we were not simply given a task to carry out but have been equipped and empowered to undertake that task. So when our courage fails, when we hesitate rather than speak, when our lives don't really point to our glorious and loving God, we know we can pray for the enabling of the Holy Spirit:
“Touchdown” by Gerard Kelly
Come Holy Spirit
To the centre
Of my reticence
Land dove of love
In my hesitant heart
God of lights
Alight here
God of tenderness
Touch down
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