John Stott reminds us that the first apostles fell into two traps which are still waiting to trip us up. Initially, as the apostles were talking to Jesus after the resurrection, their focus was still very much on the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. (Acts 1:6) They were curious as to how Jesus was going to sort out the political mess which being under Roman rule meant for Israel. They were doubtless full of good intentions (as are many politicians!), but their focus was very much on the here-and-now, and as such, was a limited vision.
So often, we too can be like that. We want to establish heaven-on-earth; we are keen to right wrongs and make the world a better place, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Much good has been done throughout the centuries by Christians who long to see God’s kingdom here on earth and who work tirelessly to see His rule and reign established here. Nonetheless, if our whole vision is fixed on earth and our faith is in ourselves to right the wrongs, we will end up disillusioned and disappointed.
The other extreme happened after the Ascension, when the apostles were gazing intently up into the sky (Acts 1:10) and it took angelic instruction to re-focus the apostles on the task Jesus had set them. This is the way of the pietist, who dreams only of heavenly bliss and whose entire focus is on worship, not work.
John Stott reminds us that these verses teach us about earthly responsibility and heavenly enabling. We need both! The apostles were called to witness to Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) Activism and piety have to be combined; we have a job to do, but it’s not one we can do in our own strength or using only our human resources. Our citizenship is in heaven; we are only pilgrims on earth… but there is work to be done during our earthly journey. Are we keeping the balance?
