As we’ve been studying Acts 1:8, I’ve suggested that Jerusalem can represent our homes and Judea our churches. Now let’s look at Samaria, which to me represents the community at large.
What are we doing as individual members to reach the communities where we live, work, and go to school?
I’ve heard numerous reasons why we should be low-key in how we approach witnessing. “I don’t want to be labeled a fanatic,” is a popular one. Or, “I’m not sure how my co-worker will take it if I share the Gospel.”
But what if we could look into the future and see all the opportunities we’ve missed? I seriously wonder how many opportunities I have missed because I was in a rush, thought it would be awkward, or simply let the moment pass.
I don’t believe we have time to worry about it being awkward! The time to share the Gospel is now, and the evangelists are you and me.
In Jesus’ day, Samaria wasn’t the place most people would have chosen to evangelize, but that is exactly where Jesus told His followers they needed to go. It wasn’t going to be easy or popular, but the Gospel needed to be shared with everyone. It may not be easy today either, but it is still our task as Christ’s disciples. We must use our God-given gifts and talents to further God’s kingdom. That’s evangelism.
But Jesus didn’t stop there. He sent His followers “to the ends of the earth.”
I’m proud to be part of a worldwide church. I’m a fifth-generation Seventh-day Adventist because a missionary was willing to travel halfway around the world to share the Gospel.
Several years ago, my friend Karen Glassford, now global director of Adventist World Radio’s Centers of Digital Evangelism, shared with me some of her experiences coordinating ShareHim mission trips. She described taking groups of young people to places such as Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela to share Jesus.
On one trip, Glassford watched students giving their lives to Jesus in a new and deeper way. One student exclaimed, “I have never been so happy in all my life! Jesus is awesome!” Others nodded, some with tears running down their cheeks.
The students had spent their days praying for the people attending their meetings, studying their sermons, and practicing them. Many began the experience afraid of preaching and unsure of what would happen. Then, Glassford said, they discovered that God was ready to use them.
And people responded. At one site, a Catholic priest who had studied at the Vatican chose to follow the biblical truths he was learning, despite knowing the decision could cost him his job and reputation. At other sites, people thanked the students for traveling so far to tell them about a God who loved them and had a plan for their lives.
The places we’re called to witness to may look different from those of the disciples, but the mission is the same. So is the motivation.
What inspired the disciples 2,000 years ago? They wanted to see Jesus again. I want the same thing. Let’s partner together and get it done!