Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit 16 (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
“… 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them …”
Seeing the mission God places before you is often the most difficult. After all, as followers of Jesus, to whom specifically are we sent? There are plenty of folks out there, all needing to hear the saving Word of Jesus Christ. So, to whom, in particular, are we to go?
The apostles at Jerusalem recognized that the people of Samaria had heard and received the Word of God, so they sent Peter and John to check things out. Did these new believers know and understand the faith to which they now adhered? Certainly, some help in the form of two of Jesus’ most intimate disciples would be advantageous. So, Peter and John went to abide among them and find out what was going on.
As we consider those folks to whom we are sent, how might we go? What is our mission to them? Whether they are family members, colleagues, classmates, neighbors, or strangers, they all need to hear the Good News about Jesus. Rather than trying to be experts on the subject, perhaps, like Peter and John, we are simply called to go, dwell amidst them, and get to know who they are and what they believe. In this way, rather than approaching as those who know it all, we come before them as fellow journeyers in faith.
Prayer: Lord, to whom shall I go? Send me this day to those who, in my circle, need to hear about Your love, peace, joy, and hope. Give me the words, patience, and compassion to dwell with them in You. Amen.