Migrate…Scatter…GO!
By Karen D’Amore
“…GO into all
the world and preach the Good News to creation.”
Mark 16:15 (NIV)
Autumn infiltrates the Midwest
landscape…bursting with a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues. Other indicators of the
changing season are the vast scattering of migratory birds and waterfowl.
Watching these flocks respond to their God-infused instincts moves me to emotional
introspection. I’m amazed at how much we can learn from nature, when we’re being
still enough to reflect. Migratory creatures instinctively know…to GO. With migration being critical to
their survival, these creatures move on to temporary, seasonal places where the
weather and food supply will support their survival.
As believers, we too know…to GO…as Scripture commands us to “GO…and make disciples of all nations”
(Matthew 28:19a). GO…means to change locations…to move…to scatter…to migrate. To GO may mean…across the room…across the
street…across the city…or across the world. And, this call to GO is oftentimes a call to change
locations, for merely a season. In John 6:35a, Jesus declared, “I am the bread
of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” As ambassadors for “eternal
survival,” we must GO…migrate and
scatter...taking the Bread of Life to the hungry (unbelievers). We’re not to simply
build churches and wait for people to come to them, but rather we are called to
be the
church and GO into our
neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and be the hands and feet of Jesus…spreading
the Good News of the gospel.
When I initially enrolled in a class
thirty miles across town in an area I’d normally avoid, I wasn’t recognizing it
as a call to “GO.” Every Monday over
two semesters, I’m connecting with eighteen classmates I’d otherwise never have
met. After a few weeks in the class, God made me keenly aware that my purpose
in this class extends far beyond the credential I’m pursuing. With ministry
needs being revealed, I’m recognizing this class as a migratory place, where I’m
to respond to Scripture’s command to GO.
Acutely aware of opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus, my focus has
shifted from my eventual credential to exercising the words of Francis of Assisi,
“Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” [1]
Come spring…as the migratory
creatures return to the Midwest, my class will end. During my brief migratory season,
I don’t want to waste any opportunities to scatter the gospel amongst my classmates.
Scripture exhorts us to “preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season”
(2 Timothy 4:2a). As Christ-followers, let’s heed this exhortation as we GO…across rooms, streets, cities or the
world…and be ready to preach the gospel…ALWAYS!
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
Where are you being called to GO?
2.
How can you be the church in
your GO?
FURTHER
READING:
Married to Dan, Karen, a retired
police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot
Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s
Ministry Special Events planning team.
