stay and go ...

‘Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised … you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’ Acts 1:4-8 

Jesus told the remaining disciples to stay in Jerusalem, until they received the Father’s promise. Then, He let them know that they would be His witnesses. In Greek, the word used in that context is ‘μάρτυς or mártys’ where we get our English word martyr. He let them know that they would be His martyrs – those who give a testimony yet also, those who suffer persecution and death for refusing to renounce a belief or cause. However, that is a discussion for another day. Today we are focusing on the fact that the disciples would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.

Now, there are mixed emotions on the subject of going to the remotest parts of the earth. Some clamor for the opportunity, overlooking the plenteous mission field which exists right in their backyard. While others refuse to leave the comforts of their neighborhood in order to share the truth of God’s Word and His love with those who live a world away.  However, may I submit to you today that it does not have to be either/or. It can be both. You can stay and go.

With my current situation and its limitations, I have become increasingly thankful for the technology that is available to us today. I can apply for jobs, connect with friends and share God’s Word – generally from the comfort of wherever I am. With the internet and free WiFi connections at libraries and bistros, one has the ability to access the world when they might otherwise be cut-off. The average person on the street can now experience what it is like to have global reach. It has created a world atmosphere where a type of ‘cyber-missionary’ has emerged.

Why just yesterday, our own little Revive! blog reached a milestone of fifty nations. God’s Word going to fifty nations around the globe … and right from my fingertips. It is amazing, overwhelming and humbling that God would (1) permit us to partner with Him at all and (2) enable us to travel the globe with Him, from the comfort of right where we are.

A couple of years ago, my two eldest sons traveled through Europe as student ambassadors. It was a great experience for them. Between that trip and family travels, they have collectively visited 13 countries around the globe. Not bad for two young men who have not even crossed the threshold of 20-years-old. Myself, on the other hand (at age 40), have only traveled to two countries out of the United States – in the physical. Yet in the world of technology, a tremendous opportunity has been presented to me: 

• ‘There is a wide-open door for a great work here [for effective service and ministry]…’  I Corinthians 16:9 NLT 
• ‘I give thanks to Him Who has granted me [the needed] strength and made me able [for this], Christ Jesus our Lord, because He has judged and counted me faithful and trustworthy, appointing me to [this stewardship of] the ministry.’ I Timothy 1:12 AMP 

Likewise, a great opportunity is before you and you do not have to travel miles around the world in order to grab hold of it and be His. Start right where you are!

Sometimes you can stay and go ...

Have an Abundantly Blessed Day!