From the pastor's pen
In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells the gathered disciples that they, “But you will receive
power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This power is the power of God, and it is given by the Holy Spirit for the building and strengthening of the church. The locations named by Jesus have great significance and carry with them implied meanings that are relevant for the church of today.
Jesus says they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem. That’s the home mission. That’s the place they know best and the people they see every day. That tells us that He wants us to share the gospel with folks who look like us, think like us, act like us, and live nearby. Next, He says they will witness for Him in Judea. That’s the next neighborhood over. That tells us that He wants us to share the gospel with folk who are somewhat like us, but they have different customs and live a little way down the road. Then He says they will witness in Samaria. That’s a culturally and socially different place—these are people we might not normally mix with. This is the one that will push you out of your
comfort zone. That tells us that He wants us to share the gospel with folks who don’t look like us, don’t think like us, do things differently, and stay on the other side of the tracks. Finally, He says we are to witness to the ends of the earth. That means everybody. That’s everyone, everywhere—no limits, no exceptions. He wants us to tell the whole world about who He is!
His directions to the disciples of that day transcend time and apply to us today. We must be strategic and intentional in our work and how we spread the gospel as we go. I want to encourage you to tell somebody about Jesus, and moreover, tell somebody who is outside of your comfort zone. Remember, God loves you, and so do I.