Good Tuesday morning, my friends.
The last instructions from Jesus to his disciples (us) were to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Notice that the conjuction between these locations is "and", not "or". It is not a multiple choice question. The answer is "all of the above". (OK, I know that is an answer for a multiple choice question, but I like the way it fits!).
My personal belief is that we are called to a primary mission field, while we support the others. I believe that we (my family) are called to witness first and foremost to the people in our community. We had recently considered moving but God closed that door and I feel that the message is clearly "there is more work to be done where you are". So that is our "Jerusalem". Our witnessing to "Judea and Samaria" and "the ends of the earth" are done through our church. For our church "Judea and Samaria" is Ottawa and Gatineau where we are reaching out to the community around us in Ottawa, and planting a French speaking church in Gatineau (Quebec) accross the river. And as a chuch we support missionaries that go "to the ends of the earth". Now while we are primarily concerned about our community, it does not mean that we don't pray for, or occasionally attend, the church in Gatineau. And it doesn't mean that we won't go on a short-term mission trip to Guatemala. But for us, it does not mean we move to Gatineau or Guatemala, however there are those in our church who have, or would, do just that.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Acts 10:14-15)
What is your primary mission field? Which of the thses has God put on your heart? Do you have beautiful feet?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Bruce
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name.Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in earth as it is in heaven.You have shown us Your will through the Scriptures as revealed to our hearts through the Holy Spirit.You have called us to be bold, to be strong, and to be of good courage as we face daily obstacles and spiritual conflicts.May the truth of Scripture be our guide and may the Holy Spirit empower us to be a faithful and bold witness for the gospel, we pray.Amen.
 | Bruce MacPherson |
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