SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:2-4
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4)
The word (message) about Jesus is spreading, despite persecution.
Wherever people go, they talk about what they have seen, heard and believed.
Even though talking would make them targets for people like Saul, they did.
They talked at work, they talked to their neighbours, they talked to strangers on the road.
Not formal evangelism, not gospel campaigns, just letting people know the reason for their hope.
“Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24)
I believe that God uses the evil plans of His enemies against them, turns their schemes into opportunities.
We can see our own lives the same way – opportunities to share our resurrection faith and hope and love.
A co-worker accuses you, a trip to the hospital, a home break-in, bad news about someone we love, etc.
Each of these can be an opportunity to show others how Jesus brings hope when there is no hope.
We are scattered like seed, not always a pleasant experience, to ‘preach the word wherever I go’.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, in hindsight I see that I do not handle difficulties well. Help me to see life’s challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities. Help me to see Your hand behind them, using them to spread the news… through me!
Observation/Application
Stephen received a proper burial. If the Sanhedrin was involved with his stoning, he would lie where he was stoned. God provided men for this rite. Meanwhile Saul’s persecution started but God was in control. He could not put the Christians to death. Only prison. The Romans could kill them. Yet despite all, God’s word prevailed then and it still does today. Think of the persecuted church today. Look at the 10-40 window and the growth of the church there today. God is at work through His people.
And I, I too need to be a witness by all that I do and say. I am a living letter, an epistle for all to read. Do others see Christ Jesus living in me? Make me an instrument of Your peace Lord.
1. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring you love;
Where there is injury, your healing pow’r,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
2. Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope;
Where there is darkness, – only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
3. O Spirit, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consolded as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul – .
4. Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all that we receive,
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.