They Wanted a Throne—He Wanted Witnesses

 After everything they had seen—Jesus crucified, buried, risen, and standing right in front of them—the disciples still had one burning question:

“Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

Even after the resurrection, they were still thinking in terms of earthly rule. They wanted to see the Messiah sit on David’s throne, drive out Rome, and restore Israel’s glory. It’s what they’d hoped for from the beginning. Luke tells us plainly back in Luke 24:21: “But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.”

But Jesus had something else in mind.

“It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:7–8)

They wanted a throne. He wanted witnesses. They were ready for Jesus to reign. He was preparing them to serve.

It wasn’t about restoring the kingdom of Israel—it was about building the kingdom of God. And that kingdom would be built one soul at a time, starting in Jerusalem and spreading outward like wildfire.

Sometimes, we’re not much different. We look around at this world, shake our heads, and wonder, “When, Lord?”
We study signs. We follow headlines. We focus so much on the when that we forget the what.

Jesus already gave the answer. The same one He gave them.
Be My witnesses.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20 Paul says: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

That’s our mission. Not to sit and wait, but to go and speak. Not to speculate about times, but to call people to repentance.

Peter later understood this. He wrote:
“The Lord is not slow about His promise... but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Quit worrying about “The Day”. You already know what you're called to do.

Let Him find us working when He returns.
Let Him find us faithful—not distracted by politics, prophecy charts, or arguing about doctrine—but full of love for the lost, walking in the Spirit, and pointing people to the cross.

They wanted a throne.
He wanted witnesses.
And He still does.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)