For Thine Is The Kingdom, The Power And The Glory, For Ever And Ever. Amen.

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, His disciples asked Him ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’. (Acts 1:6-8 NIV)

His disciples were consumed by their nation being restored to freedom from Roman tyranny. Jesus invites them to discover the authority they have as citizens of ‘the Kingdom’, one that’s not maintained by armies or dictators. The ‘upside down’ kingdom where the last are first, the weak are made strong and the lost find purpose.

He invites us not to seek human power but rather the power of the Holy Spirit that was promised to the church. A movement that literally turned Jerusalem upside down. A ‘power‘ that He gave them and gives us a fresh boldness to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

And ‘the glory’ – reflective glory, that as we spend time with Jesus, He is reflected in our everyday lives so when people see us they see Him. Now is the time for this Kingdom, through our lives, to make a lasting impact in our world today.

Pray for Five:

Ask God to give you boldness to share the good news of Jesus with your five people as and when appropriate. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill them with God’s love.

By Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary, Churches Together In England.