Scattered but God Will Continue to Bring His People to Him
Scripture Passage: Acts 8:1-8 (NASB)
1 Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death.
And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and mourned loudly for him. 3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house; and he would drag away men and women and put them in prison.
4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went through places preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming the Christ to them. 6 The crowds were paying attention with one mind to what was being said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed or limped on crutches were healed. 8 So there was much rejoicing in that city.
SUMMARY
After Stephen was martyred by the Jewish leaders, a great persecution against Christ’s followers began in Jerusalem. Saul (later called Paul) was determined to destroy the church, and he persecuted Christians by throwing them into prison.
All the believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Of the scattered believers was Phillip, who went to Samaria to preach the Good News of Jesus. The crowds gathered to hear his preaching and to witness miracles. There was great joy in Samaria as evil spirits were cast out and many were healed.
REFLECTION
The gospel message was so offensive to the Pharisees and many Jews that in their anger and sin, they began to harshly persecute the early church. But God’s power and His will certainly cannot be overcome by human and earthly opposition. Though these efforts physically scattered the believers, God regardlessly carried out the work of His church through his faithful servants. Believers like Phillip were able to continue God’s work to expand the Church by bringing many to faith and perform miracles in Jesus’ name, despite the persecution and unfavorable circumstances.
APPLICATION
Recently I have gotten to know a handful of fellow young mothers in my community, and we all share very similar concerns and we can relate to each other during this time of raising young children and caring for our families amid all the uncertainties, and new forms of pressure and stress. We have so many similar stories of our day-to-day, and we can commiserate in so many of the same challenges as well. A couple of these mothers have shared that their families have stopped participating even in online worship because of various challenges. Another family I’ve gotten to know well in a short amount of time, are not in the faith and do not go to church at all. Since I know what young mothers face everyday- the pressure, the exhaustion, the many humbling moments, the loneliness- I know they absolutely need the rest and refreshing of the Father. Jesus is the only way and answer. They need the intimate relationship with the Lord and faith in Him, to carry them through this unique time. They have such a huge role in their families and also in their workplaces, that they must be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to rest in His perfect peace and be spiritually victorious everyday.
God has put into my heart to intercede for these families as I pray for my own family everyday. We are all alike, and I can identify so much what they are going through. I ask God to pour His perfect love and His compassionate heart to me as I pray for these families. I have truly begun to sense the longing God has for all of His scattered flock, especially during this time as many churches are physically closed or restricted. I will continue to pray for the work of the Holy Spirit to bring these precious families to stronger faith and hunger for our true Savior. I will share any practical faith materials I use with my own children so they can continue hearing about Jesus. In my conversations and even casual dialogue, I pray that God can use my words to encourage fellow mothers and point them to our Savior.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me the eyes to see the need for your saving grace in your scattered flock, especially the young mothers who have unique challenges at this time. Lord, please change my heart and make it more like yours, so that I may continue to pray steadfastly for these precious families that are right in my own neighborhood. They need you and Your fellowship each day, and You long for them. Lord, soften my heart each day, so that as I pray for my own children and my own husband, I would be able to see the spiritual needs of those so close to me in our community. Thank you God, for Your perfect will and Your divine ability, that could never be deterred by any human efforts or worldly hindrances. You are above it all, as You are Lord of all, and you generously impart your grace and your ability to your children. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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