SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:54-8:1
“All except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1)
Jesus sent His disciples Jerusalem, to Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Not until Stephen’s murder and persecution do they leave Jerusalem – to Judea and Samaria!
There is always a danger that Jesus’ followers get stuck in their mission.
Always eager to gather, they are less eager to ‘Go!’ (Matthew 28:19)
But the Spirit has a way of moving the church, even when it doesn’t want to move.
Stephen’s death shows that Jesus is sending us out like sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16).
We are on a mission, and this mission may even cost us our lives… like Jesus.
Stephen’s last words – his prayer for forgiveness, and giving over his Spirit – are like Jesus’.
As the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus sends us, and we will probably suffer like Jesus did. (John 20:21)
But He will be with us, His Spirit will work through us, and we will rise in triumph with Him!
We must do more than just gather, we must also go – and be His witnesses “to our ends of the earth!”.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the many Stephens that have sacrificed themselves to bring Your message to me. May I also join with them in GOING and witnessing for You to others, that they too may hear and believe!