The Acts of Disciples
They Obey God’s Spirit – Part IV
Scripture Reading: Acts 11:19-30
Key Verses: Acts 11:19-20
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.
Most of us have no idea about what it would be like to be so persecuted for our faith that we would run for our lives to other parts of the world. This is what was happening to these early disciples. Knowing that these early believers left their belongings and probably family members, it is likely that all they could think about was their own survival.
However, our Key Verse for today lets us know that they continued to tell people about the Good News of the Lord Jesus. Many of them only told fellow Jews about Jesus, but some of them had a burden for and share the Good News with Greek people (and other Gentiles).
When I read about these events, I must admit to wondering what God thinks of me and our modern generation of believers. I do not know about you, but sometimes I get too focused on my own “little world”. We must, as believers, pray earnestly for lost people that we see every day… especially those that we know by name.
We are people of the Light which shines on the truth of eternity. We know what happens to people who do not accept Jesus as their Savior. Being part of God’s family is a great privilege, but it also has great responsibilities:
“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:47-48, underlining is my emphasis.)
Our knowledge of God and of the Bible is a wonderful privilege but do not overlook our responsibilities. We can all pray and intercede for those around us that need Jesus. Do not neglect that responsibility!
Father, thank You for drawing me to Yourself and flooding my heart with Your LIGHT, so I can live with You throughout eternity. Please remind me to pray daily for those around me that have not yet responded to Your invitation. In Jesus’s Name I pray, amen.