What do you expect?

Have you ever worked hard to achieve a goal, a promotion at work, buying a new home, or the attention of someone to whom you are attracted? After reaching your goal, was it always what you expected?

The disciples believed Jesus was the hoped for Messiah, the answer to generations of prayer that Messiah would come. Luke writes about Jesus trying to give the disciples a glimpse of what God’s kingdom would really mean. Does he tell them that on the horizon are peace, justice and deliverance? Absolutely not!

Jesus’ revolutionary doctrine, along with his unbelievable powers to heal, caused fear and division among God’s people. Now he was warning the disciples to be ready for even more uncertainty in their lives. His words must have been very confusing to them. Each one would have the hard decision to make: to continue to follow or not.

I thank God for those brave souls filled with the Spirit, who chose to continue to believe, to endure hardship, doubt and death to follow Jesus. Jesus fulfilled unexpected hopes that changed the world. Hallelujah!

Thank you, God, for your Son and those who endured to spread the news of your plan of salvation. Amen. — NK