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“Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution
arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered
throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1 NKJV
Ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven, the Apostles (Acts 2:1-4) were
baptised with the Holy Spirit and the city evidenced this powerful
preaching, miracles signs and wonders. Thousands gave their lives to Jesus.
The believers became a family under the leadership of the twelve
Apostles. Individuals sold all and brought it to the feet of the Apostles. Like
with anywhere there is a group of people there were those who were stronger,
weaker, quieter, louder than others leading to conflict. There arose
murmuring because daily rations were not being done equitably. So the leaders
asked the people to appoint those who in effect became heads of department.
A crisis averted, the family of believers continued in fellowship -
comfortable and content. They prayed together, fellowship together; many
were added on a daily basis. But this was not the limit of what Jesus wanted.
His directive was to go out and be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea,
Samaria and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). It was not to have a
people who were insular, looking just within their physical stretch, no vision
for the work of the gospel.
They continued until Yeshua had
enough. He allowed persecution to arise against them, starting with the death
of Stephen. They were all scattered throughout the regions except the Apostles.
The days of comforts were over. The real work of the gospel had begun and many
would pay with their life
This is a lesson for many Churches today. Many are not called to be a
bench warmer in a building. Many are not called to depend on Sunday-Sunday
fellowships. Many are not called to be insular but to go out into the world and
impact it by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, being a witness of His love,
mercy and salvation.
Many who are called to be out in the world on missions are stuck in one
place. Stephen was given the role of deacon, sorting out administration but he
was called to be an evangelist. It took persecution to launch him into his
redemptive purpose.
You might be very active in your local assembly. But if you are meant to
go to your Judea, Samaria or to the ends of the earth and you refuse to leave
Jerusalem, you will be dis-satisfied with where you are. There will be a void
in your heart. Do not wait for Yeshua to
lit the fire of persecution under you before you listen, hear and obey.
Go preach the gospel and be a witness.
PrayerforToday 8 May 2018
Everlasting Father, give me the grace to step up and out into my
redemptive purpose. May I not wait for persecution to do what You have created
me for. Help Your Church not to be too comfortable and neglect the work of
ministry. May You bless all those who are in the mission field, giving their
lives for the spread of the gospel of Your Son my Lord and
Saviour. In His name I pray. Amen
It is the will of the everlasting Father that you may have everlasting
life through Jesus. See Him in the Holy Scriptures, believe in Him and He will
raise you up on the last day John 6:40 NKJV
I pray this inspires you to be more and do more for Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ).
#AdeolaAkintoye ©
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