Scattered? Preach!

“When they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’  But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him…

“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles… Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.  And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.  For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.” Acts 7:54-58a; 8:1,4-8

The followers of Jesus witnessed their friend Stephen’s stoning, and in the melée that ensued, were scattered. It might seem probable that they’d hide, hunker down and out of sight, and vow silence in fear of further persecution or retribution. But the Spirit ignited the gospel within and they proclaimed the irrepressible good news wherever they landed. In light of harrowing circumstances, where else would people find hope?

Rage and opposition are the way of the world where God and His enemies cohabitate. When we identify as His children, we will face the loud rush and stoning of harsh criticism, antagonism, rejection, and misunderstanding. We can let the difficulties squelch our resolve or silence our testimony, or we can take the opportunity to be stirred to boldness. The very pressure the enemy intends for evil we can ignite for great good by spreading gospel seeds far and wide. (Genesis 50:20; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 8:5-8)

If life is all about me, my security, my ease, persecution and scattering upend false foundations. I clutch whatever protections and hide in any safe place I can with nary a thought for others. But as the Lord opens wide our hearts to Him and our eyes to glimpse His glory above the maliciousness and mire, He transforms our mindset into living for Him. Desire burns to widely spread His live-giving truth. We cannot help but tell of His enabling and passion, His glories and grace. Which describes us?

When scattered by betrayal, hurtful rejection, or unexpected upheaval, do we freeze in fear? Do we center on self and complain with a litany of personal woes no one wants to hear? Or do we behold the Captain over it all and take disruption’s opportunity to preach His story? When scattered in thought or schedule, do we use circumstances as an excuse for lack of focus and fruitfulness, or do we pray for the Lord to unite our hearts for Him and to preach for His kingdom’s sake? (Psalm 86:11; Matthew 9:36-38)

Father, compel me to utilize every circumstance to revel in your glory and energetically proclaim Your gospel in word and deed.