“And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” – Mark 16:20

            Who are the they? Outstandingly it was not the great philosophers of the day, nor the great war generals or even the political rulers of the time.  In fact you could not even find any of the so called religious rulers of that day in that “they” group. 

            “They” were just ordinary Jewish people.  Some of them were fishermen, some former tax collectors but one thing was common to all of them.  Before encountering Christ they could lay no claim to great fame or talent.  But that would change. Jesus would use the 500 eyewitnesses of His majesty, specifically this inner circle of disciples and Apostles to be, to change the whole world with His Gospel.  They would go forth in His name proclaiming His Gospel.  But they were just like you and me.  You know the ordinary individual whose name is not up in lights, nor is his natural abilities heralded as extraordinary.  Amazingly the Apostles and early believers were… ordinary.  But their God was and their message was extraordinary.

            That makes me excited.  For if God could do it for them.  He can do it for me.  What a wonderful and fresh expectation.  No matter who we are or where we have been if we will give our life to God and go…. God will meet us there. Even after the Day of Pentecost these men were evaluated as “unlearned and ignorant” (Acts 4:13).  Yet they saw miracle after miracle because they were with Jesus and He was with them.  They were sowing and He was causing there to be an increase.

            So it is time to go forth.  No not necessarily to Africa or Europe or Asia but nevertheless go forth.  Go forth to your work place, your school place, your community and your grocery store and testify of God’s goodness and grace in your life.  Teach Bible studies, pray for people, love them in the name of the Lord and invite them to church.  You know what will happen?  God will meet you there and He will give the increase as He confirms the Word.  He still just needs someone to become part of that “they”.