In the beginning

Some of the believers who were scattered by the persecution which took place when Stephen was killed went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message to Jews only. But other believers, who were from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and proclaimed the message to Gentiles also, telling them the Good News about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s power was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. (verses 19-21)

Read Acts 11:19-30

This is how the Christian church started – God’s message sent by word of mouth. The excitement was over. Jesus had lived, had travelled around among his people, had died, had risen again and had finally ascended into heaven. But now the hard part started for those who believed in him. They had to tell others what they had seen. It must have been so difficult. They had no photos of Jesus, no newspaper clippings, no videos, no web page – just a fervent faith and the willingness to speak.

Actually it’s not so different now. You still have no concrete proof of Jesus’ existence. You can’t hand around family snapshots of him, or send those with doubts to his worldwide tour complete with gaudy promotions and a symphony orchestra. The Christian faith exists because those who believe tell others, and they in turn spread the word. How are you spreading the faith that lives in your heart?

Give me the strength, Lord, to spread your word, so that others may know you as I do. Amen.

by Kathy Hoopmann, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.