The Gift of Ambiguity

S - "When they were with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, are you now going to restore Israel as a kingdom?” Jesus said to them, ”You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power.”"  Acts 1 TS

O - The desire for information, to know what's next and what the plan is, hasn't lessened any from this first century exchange until now. The focus Jesus identifies here remains the same for all. His followers, those who are actually living in him and working with him, will not be relying on the power of information but the power of presence.    

A - Wait a minute!  Don't we need to know the plan?  What kind of handicapped living will that produce in those who are wanting to follow Jesus and welcome God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven?  Why this avoidable ambiguity?  We are not invited to rely on plans, promises or concepts. We are wanted and welcomed to rely on a person.  The ambiguity is a gift.  It keeps us in the best possible place: focused and near him who is irrepressible life.  When we're in his company, relying on him, everything is possible and everything is being worked for good.  Being near is more important than being right. He wants me/us holding on to him not a plan, engaging his person not a principle, fulfilled and confident in his presence not a promise.  I have discovered that I cannot escape this intentional mystery nor can I replace it with more "tangible" methods without ignoring/missing him. Children live this way and he has insisted that his followers do the same.  I am gratefully accepting this gift experiencing a deepening relationship and learning that his peace really does surpass all understanding.     

P - Lord who invites us near,

Am so very grateful that you want us near in ongoing relationship more than anything.  You keep offering yourself and I am so glad to have the privilege of offering myself back to you … not to your principles, promises or plans.  I welcome the power of presence.

Loving you back,

Steve