The Cost of Delay and Reluctance to Obey God

Are you a reluctant disciple? Do you realize what this might be costing you in life? Early in our ministry, we learned to never let anything distract us from the harvest. Are you currently facing difficult and challenging situations? Are you wondering, “Where is God in all of this?” Sometimes, the path to progress isn’t found in questioning God’s faithfulness, but in questioning ourselves. Have we missed God in certain areas of our lives? Have we allowed ourselves to be distracted by the immediate and neglected the urgent call of God in our lives? The world around us often presents unsettling events, causing anxiety about the future. However, these very times often result from inadvertent straying for various reasons, possibly God’s unfolding purpose for our lives. Perhaps what has kept God’s hand isn’t any intention to bring punishment or due to outright disobedience, but rather to compel God’s people to a significant harvest. Let the present challenges serve as encouragement in spite of difficult times for us not be distracted but to step out in bold faith and embrace the destiny that awaits.

The Initial Unity and Reluctance of the Early Saints to Go Into All the World

In the nascent stages of the early church, a remarkable unity characterized the believers. They were of one heart and mind, sharing their possessions and bearing powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, they started a Christian commune and settled in there in ancient Jerusalem, rather than “going into all the world” as Jesus commanded:

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark. 16:15)

Jesus never instructed the disciples to remain in Jerusalem after the Holy Spirit descended upon them. However, he did tell them to wait until they received His power, and they complied at that time. Nevertheless, in the aftermath of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, instead of going into all the world, they chose, with no command from God to do so, to establish a sedentary encampment in Jerusalem disregarding therefore the subsequent command to spread throughout the world preaching the gospel. It wasn’t until persecution, spearheaded by Saul, that the believers began to disperse, leading them to finally obey the directive to embark on their mission. Even then, the apostles remained in Jerusalem. It appears that a substantial external pressure was required to compel them to venture beyond their comfort zone and into the broader mission field.

“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all3 scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” – Acts 8:1, 4 KJV

A Pattern of Delay

The chronology of the Book of Acts reveals a considerable passage of time between the ascension of Jesus and the widespread preaching of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Decades passed before the apostles fully embraced the directive to go into all the world. This reluctance highlights a human tendency to remain in familiar territories, even in the face of a divine mandate. What about you? Are you being held captive by the familiar, the convenient, the comfortable? Perhaps this reluctance to embrace your true calling has resulted in difficulty and struggle that never would have happened had we kept our eyes on the harvest and pursued the plan of God as we understood it, even though it was challenging and intimidating to do so? 

The Kingdom Message Misunderstood

Furthermore, the emphasis of Jesus’ ministry on the Kingdom of God was not fully grasped by His disciples. While Jesus frequently spoke of the Kingdom being within and among them, the apostles’ preaching often lacked this central theme. This indicates a potential struggle to fully comprehend and articulate the core message of Christ’s teachings.

Reflection and Review

The early church, despite its initial unity and the clear command of Christ, experienced a period of hesitation in fulfilling the Great Commission, and paid dearly for it. They refused to go and persecution arose, and then God used the very instrument of that persecution (Paul) to do what they didn’t do – spread the gospel to the known world.

This happened several times in the early church record. It was often external pressure, such as persecution, that propelled believers into the mission field. This historical account serves as a powerful reminder that God can use challenging circumstances to move His people into their intended purpose. Just as the early disciples were eventually scattered and compelled to preach the Gospel, so too might the present global climate be a catalyst for a fresh wave of evangelism. The reluctance of the apostles also underscores the importance of fully embracing and understanding the core message of the Kingdom of God, as emphasized by Jesus Himself.

A Call to Action

In light of these truths, let us be encouraged to:

• Embrace the present moment: Recognize that even in times of uncertainty, God is at work, compelling His people towards the harvest.
• Step out in faith: Do not allow fear or comfort to hinder your obedience to God’s call on your life.
• Seek the Kingdom first: Prioritize God’s reign and purpose in your daily living and interactions.
• Identify your role: Discover and actively engage in your unique part in spreading the Gospel.
• Be open to unconventional paths: Just as persecution scattered the early church, be willing to move beyond familiar methods and embrace new opportunities for ministry.