Luke records that the resurrected Lord appeared to the disciples and taught them for forty days concerning the kingdom of God, after which "they asked him, 'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?'" (Acts 1.3)

He didn't reply, "You foolish ones, and slow of heart. I just taught you for forty days that the kingdom no longer has to do with Israel. It's all about heaven now."

No, He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority." (Acts 1.6a) After forty days of hearing from Christ concerning the kingdom of God, it appears that it was quite natural to ask the question, and the Lord did not rebuke them for asking it.

He redirected them to thinking about receiving the Holy Spirit and carrying out the Great Commission, but He affirmed their expectation of the Father "restoring the kingdom to Israel" by calling it a "time or season" He "has fixed by His own authority." Have you considered this, brothers and sisters?

Instead of supporting supersessionism, Jesus' response set his disciples on the Gospel mission, while affirming the biblical expectation that at the appointed epoch, God "will remove ungodliness from Jacob" (Rom. 11.26) and reign as King over the reunited twelve tribes (Mt. 19.28), for "the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Is. 51.11)

According to the promise of our covenant-keeping God, He will "restore the kingdom to Israel" in perfect time. Will it not be an occasion of the profoundest rejoicing for all the redeemed of God to see wayward Israel return? Have you not prayed for this? Will you not rejoice to see it, Christian? Can you say that you understand the Bible and understand Gospel mercies if this is a moot point in your theology? May it never be.

My friends, this time is coming, it is "fixed by the Father's authority," and it will be a sight to behold.

"Then the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is in their midst forevermore.” (Ez. 37.28)

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Hos. 2.14)

Amen. Come quickly, Lord. -BA Purtle