Why Not Start in Jerusalem?

Daily Devotional – Friday, November 24, 2023
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.”
Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

I recently came across an interesting debate in a social media group. One member of the church-oriented group suggested that the group should organize an evangelistic mission, preferably to a faraway place. A few members supported the idea while observing that it had been a long time since the group had embarked on a mission.

You Shall be My Witnesses

However, one dissenting voice emerged. This person wanted to know why the group needed to organize an evangelistic campaign in a far-off location while within the members’ localities there were many people who needed to hear the gospel. This member intimated that the would-be evangelists were probably not credible witnesses in their neighborhoods.

I believe this member had this command in mind: “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” (Acts 1:8).

Mission Fields at Home

Jerusalem was the home ground of Christ’s first disciples and their first missionary field. After evangelizing Jerusalem, the disciples were to venture into Judea, the territory occupied by the majority of the Jews. Their next mission field would be Samaria. This area was inhabited by an ethno-religious group that traced its origins to the defunct ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. Finally, Christians would preach to the rest of the world.

The lone ranger in the social media group had a point. While his colleagues were within their right to want to take the gospel message to unreached areas, they were not to neglect their family members, neighbors, workmates, fellow students, and friends. Within their localities were souls that could be won by the inexpensive witness of godly character.

Why not Start in Jerusalem?

You need no money to start this mission. All you need to do is knock on that door, pray with that person, and read the Bible with him or her. When you show genuine concern for the material and physical needs of people, they are likely to be attracted to the God you serve. If you can win souls in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the world, it will not be much of a challenge for you. Why not start in Jerusalem?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit and lead me to souls that need you in Jerusalem.