RPG Adults
MUST GO!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1
Acts 8:1-2
Matthew 28:18-20
“Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations…”
MUST GO!
Acts 8:1-2 describes a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. The first casualty of that persecution was Stephen whom Saul heartily agreed to his execution. The Sovereign Lord had allowed this persecution to happen for a definite purpose. It was not to harm and discourage the believers. It was for them to obey the Great Commission to go (Matt 28:18-20)!
Great persecution: The believers were being pursued. You can imagine the hardships they went through. They fled to other parts of Judea and further north to Samaria, travelling miles to find a safer place. They were all scattered abroad. The Greek word Luke used for “scattered” (Acts 8:1) is where the term “diaspora” comes from. It literally refers to the act of scattering just like sowing seeds in a field. It was fitting to their experience for their dispersion was not for their suffering but for them to bring the gospel to places outside of Jerusalem.
Great lamentation: Devout believers buried Stephen, mourning the loss of a dear brother. It was an example of the reality of the threat of persecution. Brought before them was a marred and lifeless body. This could have caused more fear in the hearts of believers, but God meant it as a testimony for them to understand that “the way” they were in was worth dying for. This pushed them to move and flee from danger. Their relocation made their new homes outreach gospel stations.
Great persecution brings great lamentation. The fearful and sorrowful background of this passage should not hide God’s intended purpose for the believers to move abroad.
Do you have the burden to share the gospel with others? Are you scattering the seed of the good news to the people around you and others far from you? Will you promise to the Lord as you begin this year to make a start to fulfil the Great Commission? If you have been doing so, you can do more! Please do not wait for the Lord to send chastisement before you come out of your comfort zone and do His work.
THOUGHT: Am I ready to go and share the gospel?
PRAYER: Father, fill me with Thy Spirit and empower me to be Thy witness.