Saturday, October 2, 2010
Acts 1:8b You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
WITNESS TO THOSE YOU KNOW
Jesus sent up a plan for His apostles as far as their testimony of Him would go. They were to start in Jerusalem, then branch out a little farther into the region of Judea, then even more so to where non-Jews were in Samaria, and then to the ends of the earth. As you read through Acts, you see that plan coming to fruition. First we find the apostles in Jerusalem. Peter and John performed a miracle of healing and there was a showdown with the Sanhedrin. The first Christian congregation was established in Jerusalem. Then we read of how Peter went out of Jerusalem to see Cornelius. Later we are told of Paul and Barnabas of their mission journeys extending further and further out until Paul made it to the most important city in the world at that time -- Rome. That plan eventually put the news of Jesus to your very doorstep.
We can follow that same plan ourselves. We can start with those whom we know. You can start with those closest to you. That can be your Jerusalem. The ones with whom you are the most comfortable with will be the easiest ones to talk to and have access to. Then branch outward. What about your co-workers? Your barber? Your mechanic? Your relationship with Jesus covers all matters of life, and when you look, you will see opportunities to tell of what you know.
You can go further. Branch outward to your town. I guarantee you that there are hurting people in your city no matter how big or small. Many people are without hope. Here you come along knowing of great peace through Jesus. Here you are with confidence for the future. Here you are as one who can handle the death of a loved one, or other bad news, with grief that is so different from the world.
Whether you are a young student or retired or anywhere in between, you have the answers to so many of life's questions. There's no end for opportunities as you can expand beyond those that you know to those that you don't know. As a Christian you have the answer for sin and death in the news of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is news that is meant to be shared.
