“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Acts 13:47
Have you ever wondered about the lives of Jesus’ 12 apostles after his death and resurrection? We hear about some of them because of their letters and books in the bible, but what about the rest? Did they end up going back to work as fishermen? Did they settle back into their normal lives?
The short answer is no. Parts of many of the apostles’ lives are chronicled in Acts of the Apostles, the book of the bible that our verse today comes from. It is widely believed and documented that every one of the original 12 apostles, excluding Judas the betrayer, died for the gospel of Jesus. Every single one spent the rest of their lives bringing the news of salvation to the ends of the earth. They went as far as they could go. They told everyone they could tell. And in the end, they were all killed for it. They literally went to their grave spreading the gospel of Jesus.
Why?
Because “this is what the Lord has commanded us.” They knew Jesus, and they knew the gift of eternal life that his life, death, and resurrection promised for those who believed in him. Not only did they believe it, but they saw it. They witnessed it all first hand. It wasn’t a matter of whether or not it was convenient or there was a good moment to speak up. It was a vital truth that they all saw and experienced and witnessed for themselves. They couldn’t help but share it. God made them a light for the world. Light can’t help but shine in darkness.
The Lord has commanded us, he has made us a light for those who cannot see, and he has made us the messengers of his salvation. Do you, like the apostles, share the gospel at every opportunity that arises? Is your light always on? If not, consider this command from Acts today as your own personal calling. The Lord has commanded you. Now, let’s go and do it.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for the legacy of evangelism that the disciples created for Christianity. I pray that I would have their boldness, their devotion, and especially their faith. Help me to be a light to those that don’t know you, and help me to deliver your message of salvation to the world.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
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