Jesus left a commandment to the Disciples to disperse from Jerusalem to share the Gospel reaching the far ends of the earth, meaning the Gentiles. The church at this time was growing exponentially baptizing thousands at a time. Against what Jesus asked, the disciples decided to stay in Jerusalem, after all, who wouldn't want to when you have daily baptisms, Christian fellowship, joy, happiness, fellowship with other Christians, and a time of rejoicing twenty-four hours a day. Jerusalem was as close to heaven as one could get. I can only imagine the overwhelming feeling of love that flowed freely during this time.The Disciples disobeyed Jesus by staying in Jerusalem and not fulfilling the Great Commandment stated in Matthew. A great persecution came over the disciples while in Jerusalem forcing them out of their comfort zone and into the foreign lands of the Gentiles. They were, at first, unwilling participants of the Great Commandment, because of their ignorance in the needs of the Gentiles to know Christ. Their Jerusalem was no longer the safety and security of fellow Christians, but became the unknown world of unfamiliar lands. The only thing they had was Jesus and the knowledge of His Saving Grace. The disciples dispersed and went their separate ways sharing the Gospel.
In present day a group of Christians with many talents, a desire to reach the lost and a love of Christ started a church. It took a lot of time, effort, prayer, work and sweat but God was right their beside us guiding our efforts toward His Will. The church grew with leaps and bounds, there was joy, there was fellowship, there was love for one another and it became a place of comfort for this group. God called part of that group to leave the church, our Jerusalem, but we didn't want to leave just then. We wanted to participate and be a part of the growth and joy that came from within those walls, but God had other plans. The difference in "The Vision" and difference of opinions became overwhelming, not only for the seasoned Christian but also for the new Christian.
Out of obedience and love, we left our church, our Jerusalem, a place where we spent every waking day in worship, prayer and building the Kingdom. God scattered us just as He did the disciples to unfamiliar lands to share the Gospel of Christ and use our talents and desire to further His kingdom. God is good, we out grew this Jerusalem and were sent by God to tackle other challenges in different cities and towns.
Through all of this I realized that my Jerusalem isn't a town, a city, a building or people. I carry my Jerusalem inside my heart because that is where I have asked Jesus to live. My Jerusalem goes with me where ever I may travel, for you see my Jerusalem is not a dot on the map, but a state of the heart.
