Mission Devotional Day 22
To the ends of the earth
Mission Devotional Day 22
READ: Acts 1:6-11
Why should we be so concerned about the world?
Not only does Jesus tell us, “For God so loved the world,” but in his last words to the disciples, he tells them that they shall be his witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. As some have put it, Jesus sends his followers around the corner and around the world.
Which, then, is more important, our neighborhood or the ends of the earth? They are both important, and to set them up in opposition to each other is to falsely divide God’s mission. I find it encouraging that some people feel a special burden for their near neighbors, and others feel called to serve their neighbors far away. And in these days, when people from all over the world have come here to our shores, the distinction between local mission and global mission blurs.
Jesus promised to send his Spirit upon the disciples to empower them for this work of bearing witness, and we see that happening on Pentecost. Jesus has promised to return someday, and he has made clear what we should be busy about during these days.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
Do you feel a particular burden to share Jesus’ love with those close by or far away?
The word for “witness” in Greek is martyria from which we get our English word “martyr.” What did Jesus say about suffering that his disciples might face? (Matthew 5:10)
PRAYER
Gracious Lord, you send the disciples to bear witness to you in all the world. Help me to see how I can best be a witness to you right where I am and wherever you send me. Amen.