Witnesses to the ends of the earth

Acts 1:8- "...and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Jesus's final instruction to his disciples was that they be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. We read later in the book of Acts, "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." (Acts 8:1). God's plan is accomplished regardless of what we do or what notions we act on. It is up to us to decide whether we want to be a component of God's plan or an opponent. What was meant to destroy Christ's church, ended up benefiting the very command Jesus gave before he departed the earth, for the gospel to be spread to all Judea and Samaria.

When the religious leaders wanted to kill the apostles in Acts 5, "Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin... Then he addressed them: 'Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.'" 

In the last two thousand years men have come and gone, but only one name has brought hope and salvation to billions all over the world, because only one man is of God's origin, Jesus Christ. Jesus has promised to return, to bring eternal salvation. Perhaps in his patience and love for all those in the world, he will not return until his name has been witnessed to the ends of the earth? The first century Christians spread the gospel through Judea, Samaria and the surrounding areas. Have you come to accept the saving grace of Christ? If so, where will you be a witness for his name? The name of Jesus will be known and praised in every nation by every race. It is up to us to decide whether we will be an opponent or a component to God's plan of eternal salvation.