Everyone has projects, plans, dreams, goals, objectives and some even have power in this world, which they obtained through a diploma, a contest, a mandate etc. All of these things are valuable until this person comes under attack. When this happens, everything he has loses value and all he can count on is Who he has.
During His earthly ministry, the Lord Jesus had power, fame, followers, etc. but when He came under attack (the cross, the tomb), Who He had came into action and that was how He overcame death.
The Lord Jesus used the geography of Israel to design a safe route for those desire to obtain the armor of God in the Person of His Spirit, when he said:
…But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1.8
Why did He mention these cities in this promise? Taking into account that when we receive the power of God, we can be witnesses anywhere, what is hidden in these cities that, once passing through them, we are approved as witnesses to the end of the earth?
Jerusalem – represents the Church. It is to witness among those who believe, among those who profess the same faith and that, apparently, are the easiest city to be overcome. However, this is where many fall because of the lack of discipline, conflict among alliances, evil eyes with their leaders, etc.
Judea – the great desert of Israel. The phrase “I am facing a great desert” is common in the world of faith. This is where we must fight the good fight, during situations we do not choose to face, and moments we do not choose to live. Even on a bad day, there will be the witness of the Lord.
Samaria – Until this day, Samaritans do not get along with Jews. Samaria is a city that is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and Jews are not allowed onto their land. This symbolizes maintaining our testimony among those who are not of the same faith, those who try to weaken, discourage and sidetrack us. This happens among our family, in school, at work etc.
These three environments are common and inevitable in our lives. Therefore, the Lord Jesus made it very clear that when we pass through them and are approved, we will be witnesses to Him to the end of the earth.
Shalom!