Written by Mark Driskill:
Tuesday November 2, 2010
Read Acts 1:6
Even after the resurrection the Apostles did not quite get it. They knew Jesus was establishing a kingdom but they thought it was still all about Israel. “Lord” they asked, “Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” That was the wrong question. It was too narrow a vision. They wrongly thought the kingdom was an Israeli kingdom. Jesus explained to them that God’s agenda was much greater. Jesus told them, “You will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth.” They were asking when God was going to fix their nation. That was the wrong question, not because God didn’t care for Israel, but because his plan was, and is to establish His kingdom, not theirs. God’s kingdom would include people from every nation. Until the disciples could get that vision on their radar screens they would not be ready to fulfill the great commission. The same is true with our generation.
All over the nation, especially as we head to the polls on this day, believers are asking, “will this be the year that God restores the kingdom to America?” We cry out to God for revival in our land, which we desperately need. But I sometimes wonder if our cry is falling short of God’s desire. I wonder if we are asking the wrong question. We’re asking God to restore our country to it’s former glory. Politicians on both sides cry out, “It’s time to take America back”. We cry out for God to make us great again. Sometimes it seems even our prayers for revival have more to do with our nationalistic pride than a vision for the kingdom of God.
We want God to fix our schools, lower our taxes, and make health care more affordable, but do we want his kingdom to be established in our world? Do we want his kingdom to spread beyond our own national interests? Do we want God to bless America only? What about the millions who have no water? Or those who still have no idea who Jesus is? We must remember that God’s heart has always been for the world. If we are to join God in his work we must begin by asking the right question. Instead of saying “when are you going to restore our kingdom?” We must begin asking, “How can I serve your kingdom?”
As we intercede for our nation let us never forget that God has a kingdom agenda that is far greater than our own borders and interests. God wants to bless America, and Afghanistan, and Iran, and North Korea. He calls his followers to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. As we seek the Lord for revival let us pray as our Lord taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Lord, expand our vision and help us keep asking the right question.
Mark Driskill and his wife Mary are homeschooling community ministers in Breathitt County Kentucky.
They have four children. They co pastor Emmanuel fellowship Church, serve as Camp Pastors at Bethel Mennonite
Camp, and Mark Teaches at Oakdale Christian Academy. Mark is web minister for Begotten by the
Word , a ministry of Helping Hands Christian Resources.
Once a month he preaches on the local radio station through the “Lion of Judah” program. Mark also preaches in youth rallies and revivals upon request at no charge. Their vision is to see true spiritual awakening come to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and to the nation.
Contact information:
Email: driskill@hilbillymail.com
Facebook: Mark Driskill
Address: PO Box 1159 Jackson KY.
