Daily Devotional – Sunday, July 17, 2022
Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
Acts 8:4 (NKJV)
Shortly before He ascended to heaven, Jesus charged the disciples, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).
For some time, the young church ministered in Jerusalem and many people believed. This happened against a backdrop of challenges such as arrests and beatings, and conflict because of unequal distribution of food among different nationalities.
A Great Persecution Arose
Generally, though, the church was comfortable in Jerusalem, but God was not. When would the believers preach in Judea, Samaria and the end of the earth? The Jerusalem comfort zone was hindering Gospel work.
To accomplish the original plan, God allowed persecution of the church. When a mob killed Stephen, Saul of Tarsus took that as a cue to oppress Christians.
“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). “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4).
How God Deals with Comfort Zones that Hinder Gospel Work
Persecution was God’s tool for forcing early Christians to take the gospel to people beyond Jerusalem.
The Great Commission is now in our hands. Have we grown comfortable and forgotten to spread the Gospel? Will God have force us out of our comfort zones for us to reach our Judea, Samaria and the end of the world?
Which practical steps can you take today to reach another person with the gospel? Do not wait for God to disrupt your comfort zone.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I will go where you send me to spread Your Gospel.
