Acts 1:8 "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Jesus is about to return to heaven and he shares some final words with his followers. These aren't any normal, everyday words though. In fact, they are a manifesto, a mission, a destiny for his followers. Jesus describes a ripple for his followers. First they hit Jerusalem right where they live. Next they venture out a bit to Judea, then a bit farther to Samaria, and finally to the "ends of the earth." This massive, worldwide ripple begins right in their hometown.
My hometown is Maplewood. I live north of highway 36 in the Hazelwood neighborhood. This is my Jerusalem. I have neighbors who I am sure have not heard about Jesus and his kingdom. They need to hear about my faith and my joy this summer.
Dear Jesus, help me be who I am called to be in my Jerusalem we call Maplewood. Amen.
