The Call to Go

September 30

(Acts 19:21-22 NIV) ““After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit Rome also." {22} He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.””

(John 20:19-22 NIV) ““On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" {20} After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. {21} Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." {22} And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.””

(Matthew 10:16-20 NIV) “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. {17} Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. {18} On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. {19} But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, {20} for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Paul was a missionary apostle -- he never stopped thinking about where he should go next to share the gospel and strengthen the church. He wanted to preach in Rome, but first he would return to Jerusalem by way of Macedonia and Achaia. He sent Erastus and Timothy as an advance team to Macedonia, while he stayed in Ephesus a little longer. He had been discipling these two young men, and now he sent them out on the road. When we follow Jesus, he may send us on the road too. He may not send us across the ocean -- our call may be just across the street, or a few miles down the road. But as followers of Jesus, we have all been called to go somewhere, and if we never go anywhere with the gospel, perhaps it is not Jesus we are following. Christ’s call is to go into all the world and make disciples. Near or far, let Jesus direct your steps as you obey His call. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day