Read: James 1:1b

James was Jesus' brother, the leader of the Jerusalem Church is writing to people in his Church who have uprooted and relocated to everywhere spread out all over the Roman Empire.

On and off, the Roman government made life hard for Christians. So some of these Christians probably moved to get away from the persecution. Some, probably moved to spread the word about Jesus. Some others probably moved for work opportunities.

We know that within a couple of centuries, Christians will become so numerous that Christianity became the official religion of the empire. It would seem that God used these circusmtances to spread out his followers.

It couldn't have been easy to leave. In Acts, we read about the close and supportive relationships that existed in the Jerusalem Christian community. They were truly in it together with each other.

And there lies a tension: had the Christians chosen their comfortable relationship with each other over the spreading of good news, the growth of God's kingdom would have stalled.

If you are a Christian, chances are, someone left some place comfortable just to bring us the news - whether across the street or across town, or across the world. There is a time to stay and build community. And there is a time to leave and spread community.

In order for a person to get the news, someone has to go.

Write
Think about your faith story: who brought you God's good news? What lengths did they go?

Who have you taken God's good news to? How far and to what lengths?

Who and where is God calling you to? Is he calling you to stay and build community, or to go and spread community?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about how it feels to remember those who gave of themselves, risked themselves to bring God's good news to you.

Talk to God about your desire to serve him by taking his good news to someone who needs good news.

Ask God for the wisdom to discern if he is calling you to stay or go. Pray for the resources and opportunities to share the good news with the peopld God brings to your mind.

Pray for a fresh experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you choose to obey him, and find pasison and meaning in discovering God's calling for your life.