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“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”  Acts 8:4 (ESV)

Just the mention of the word “scatter” can evoke a negative vibe.  We are creatures of habit and love our besties, our Bible study tribe and our inner circle of sweet friends.  So the thought of dividing up…spreading out…casting in all directions simply doesn’t appeal to us.  We love the comfort of those we’ve been doing life with, and we can’t imagine the dissolving of such a good thing.  But if there is no scattering could it be possible we are missing out on the blessing of spreading God’s love in a different direction?

The book of Acts unveils the beauty of a scattering.  The early church was facing immense persecution in Jerusalem.  Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit,  was martyred – stoned to death.  Saul was savagely persecuting believers entering their homes and dragging men and women to prison (Acts 8:3).  Desperate times  sent the early believers scattering throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria preaching the good news.  This forced, unwanted dispersing ultimately culminated in many receiving the gospel.

Fast forward to 2020 and we have absolutely no excuse for not spreading the gospel.  We might face ridicule and criticism, but the church of God in America isn’t facing persecution like the church in Acts.   Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is easier than ever yet we often desire to stay confined within the walls of sweet fellowship with believers rather than spending time with those who don’t know Jesus.

Wonder how God feels about our settling for ease?  Matthew 28:16 commands us to go – to make disciples – to scatter into all the world preaching the gospel to everyone.  Now that’s definitely not a clinging to my group mentality at all.  God’s plan was for us to enjoy fellowship but not at the expense of sharing His truths with others.

Love the amazing testimony of Elisabeth Elliot who took the Great Commission seriously.  Her husband, Jim, was martyred by the Waodani Indians.  A year later, two Waodani women walked out of their tribal land into a remote village not far from where Elisabeth was still serving as a missionary.  When she heard the news, Elisabeth left her young daughter with a friend and walked six hours to meet these women.  She brought them back to her home to live with her so she could learn their language.  Eventually Elisabeth, her daughter and Rachel Saint lived among the very people who speared her husband to death and many from this tribe believed in God.

Scattering isn’t comfortable or easy.  Yet,  I can only imagine how beautiful it will be when we stand before our God and see those who came to know Him as a result of our willingness to disperse and share the gospel.

“Father, sharing the gospel with our world is a privilege we don’t want to neglect.  Help us to step outside our comfort zone and boldly tell others of Your love for them.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life