Eastertide #36: Sunday #7 of 7.

Heaven must receive him

until the time comes

for God to restore all things.

(Acts 3:21)

The disciples’ final gathering with their resurrected Lord, just before he ascends to his heavenly home, results in something of a gripe session: “Are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel now?” That is what they have been holding out for all along. They still hoped Jesus would fulfill their political dreams—the restoration of Israel. They have yet to comprehend the meaning of Calvary. It will take the outpouring of the Spirit and many surprises along the way before they understand what Jesus meant by “the ends of the earth” (Ac 1:8).

Fortunately for us, God’s restoration project extends to all people in all places. We are right in the middle of it awaiting that day when we will be “fully restored” (2Cor 13:9). God the Son doing his work above, God the Spirit doing his/her work below, and God the Father resolved to restore his good and beautiful creation.