This past August I walked the grounds of Windsor Castle in London, England. On the grounds were actors and actresses reenacting scenes from the past; there was a changing of the guard, and people lounging in the green grace of the lawns. Surrounding us were the walls of the castle. I'm guessing the walls were 30 or more feet in height, 15ish feet thick and plenty of room on the top of the wall for ammunition, troops etc.
I'm sure the King's of Windsor Castle felt a security here in this place and were able to rule without fear of reprise.
I wonder if Jesus disciples had wanted something similar? A safe place where Jesus ruled. In the book of Acts starting at verse 6 they asked Jesus if he was going to "restore the kingdom to Israel?" Remember, they are talking to the resurrected Jesus. There must have been all kinds of rumors circulating about Jesus and his followers, possibly a certain volume of fear was present when they asked the questions.
There will be a day for what the disciples asked, but Jesus said that day was a secret! Then verse 8 starts with a "But"! It's impossible to know the inflection in Jesus words, but imagine with me the best storyteller at the public library pausing before her sentence, leaning forward then saying, "But you shall receive power." Stop here; think about what prompted this answer. It was the question, "Jesus, when will You establish power?" So Jesus switches it and says, 'lets not talk about My power...let's talk about your coming power.' "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
So if I am reading this correctly, the Kingdom that you will witness will be the works of Jesus not just in your home town, but in places where you think they don't like you, and even that place in the world where you would stop, look around and say, "How in the world did I get here? This must be the end of the earth!" And even see Jesus at work there!
So God's Kingdom has no walls! We are subjects in the largest, grandest Kingdom ever. You and I have opportunities to meet other members of this Kingdom wherever we go in this world. And regardless of where we are, invite others to be citizens of this Kingdom.
And the benefit? It seems simple and complex too....as the library storyteller leans forward to speak in a whisper...."and once the Holy Spirit comes to you...you will be able to see Me...all over the world!" She closes her book and says, "Who would like to travel all over the world and see Jesus?" Every child's hand goes in the air. Is your hand in the air too? Let's go!
