"But you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8b
Reflection
Jesus gave His disciples a strategic map for kingdom impact: start where you are, then expand outward in concentric circles. Jerusalem represented their immediate community—their families, neighbors, and local relationships. Judea extended to their broader region. Samaria represented hostile territory—their enemies. And finally, the ends of the earth encompassed everyone else.
This same pattern applies to your life today. Your "Jerusalem" is your family and closest relationships. Your "Judea" includes your neighbors and extended community. Your "Samaria" represents people who oppose you, irritate you, or seem unreachable—yes, even they need the gospel. And your "ends of the earth" includes international connections and global mission.
God calls you to think concentrically. Start by praying for and sharing Christ with those closest to you. Don't skip your family to reach strangers overseas. But also don't stop with comfortable circles—expand to neighbors, even enemies, and remain committed to global impact. Each circle matters to God's kingdom purposes.
Reflection Questions
- Who represents your "Jerusalem"—the people closest to you?
- Which circle are you most comfortable in, and which do you tend to neglect?
- Who is your "Samaria"—someone difficult you're called to love with the gospel?
Action Step
Write down one name from each circle (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of the earth) and commit to praying for them daily this week.
Prayer
Lord, help me be faithful in my Jerusalem before expanding outward. Give me courage to love my enemies and vision to reach the ends of the earth. Make me a strategic planter of seeds in every circle. Amen.
See here to share just this Prayer for Concentric Circles of Influence.
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