Prepared for Missionary Emergencies
In the early days of the Christian dispensation men were sent as missionaries who had given proof of their ministry at home. In some way the Spirit of God indicated the persons, and the brethren sent them forth after prayer and fasting, and formally bidding them Godspeed. But, in the case of the first church at Jerusalem, when the time came that they were dispersed by persecution, they were so prepared, by study of the Word and a spirit of self-denial, that "they went everywhere preaching the Word." They had not thought of going abroad as missionaries until the emergency arose; but when it came, they were prepared for it. Now it behooves every Christian to ask himself, "Am I prepared for such an emergency?" The disciple who has his all in the cause will have nothing to restrain him should either a call come to him or a persecution drive him out.