“You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Jesus gives us a roadmap for mission that starts local and expands global. Jerusalem was right where they were, in their immediate community. Judea was their region. Samaria represented people they didn’t like, people who were different from them. And then, the remotest parts of the earth. This isn’t a sequential checklist but a simultaneous calling. We’re to care about our neighbors next door and unreached people groups across the ocean. God’s heart is for all nations, and He invites us to share that heart.

Here’s where it gets personal: What’s your Jerusalem? Maybe it’s your family, your workplace, your apartment complex. What’s your Judea? Your city, your state. Who’s your Samaria, the people you’d rather avoid, the ones who are different from you, maybe even those you’ve been taught to dislike? And what about the remotest parts? There are still 550 people groups without Scripture in their language. There are believers being persecuted for their faith right now who need our prayers and support. God might be calling you to go, to give, or to pray, but He’s definitely calling you to care. The harvest is plentiful everywhere, and the question is: will you be one of the workers?

Reflect:

• Who are the people in my “Jerusalem” (immediate circle) and “Samaria” (people I find difficult or different) that God might be calling me to witness to?
• How is God stirring my heart toward the nations, and what practical step can I take this week to participate in global mission (pray, give, learn, go)?
• Ask God to expand your heart for the nations and to show you specific ways that you can participate in His worldwide mission, whether through prayer, financial support, or going. Pray for boldness to witness both to those close to you and for open doors to impact the remotest parts of the earth.