I don’t know about you, but when I think of the Great Commission, I often imagine people like the Apostle Paul or modern-day missionaries who go off to distant places to share the good news of Christ. But I’ve realized that when this happens, it’s easy to convince ourselves we can’t be used by God in the same way, and we won’t even try. Can I let you in on a little secret? We’re not all called to venture to far off corners of the world to share Jesus. The truth is, for the vast majority of us, sharing the good news and love of Jesus is something we do with those who are right around us in the ordinary moments of life interactions.
Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Here’s something to note: before Jesus’ followers took the good news of Christ to the “ends of the earth,” they started with their friends and neighbors “in Jerusalem,” right where they already were.
Most of us will never go “to the ends of the earth,” but we’re all in our very own “Jerusalem” right where we are. Who lives in your own home? Or across the street from you? Who works with you? Who's your gym partner, your fishing buddy, or your book club friend? Who do you run into every weekday as you drop off your kids at school? That’s your Jerusalem. Be encouraged this week to live missionally in your own Jerusalem. Start a family devotion time with your kids. Invite someone to church. Let someone know that Jesus loves them… right where you are.