Read the Word:
Acts 11:19-26
Meditate on the Word:
No wise farmer would expect to grow any significant crop by simply piling bags of seed in the corner of the field. As bags disintegrated, a few seeds would escape and lead to a few plants, but a field full of grain would not be the result. Some form of scattering must take place in order to have a harvest. It is the same with the church. Disciples needed to be scattered throughout the world in order to have a crop of Christians.
Had the church not faced persecution, largely started by Saul of Tarsus, the disciples would have been happy to stay in Jerusalem and not spread the gospel. This was not Christ’s intention, however, when He said, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” in Matthew 28:19. Persecution was the scattering needed to cause a church in Antioch. Interestingly, Barnabas brought Saul of Tarsus, whose persecution had scattered the church, to help with this new crop of believers.
Some today would argue that there is persecution around every corner. Even if that were true, we are not to fear persecution that may come. We are instead to trust God and make disciples. We are to remain faithful until the end.
Pray the Word:
Thank the Lord for the scattering of believers that led to your hearing of the gospel.
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