Happy New Year. Let’s start our new year by seeing what Jesus did in His new ministry.

“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” - John 1:14-15, ESV.

John had been arrested in Galilee by Herod for renouncing his sin. Jesus also preached against sin, so going to Galilee was dangerous for Jesus. It may have been less dangerous than doing ministry in Jerusalem, but it was still a dangerous place for this type of work.

A few years ago, Jill and I did some mission work in northern Africa, a not-so-friendly place for Christians at that time. When I asked our team leader, Jaime, about his choice to lead us there, he simply responded, “All the easy places have already been reached.” I will never forget that.

The point? It may be socially, economically, or even physically dangerous for you to be a gospel bearer at your job or school. You may be drawn to go on a mission trip to an unsafe place. We are not always sent to minister, work, and live in the easy places. Jesus set the example for us, and I am glad He wasn’t afraid to do that.

Jesus fulfilled prophecy in Galilee. He met and included the majority of the twelve disciples there, ones brave enough to usher in the church age. By going there, Jesus was obedient to His Father. And don't forget that John had ministered there. Jesus built on John's preparatory work. Jesus needed to go to Galilee.

Who knows what will happen if you do ministry at your job or in your school? It will be hard, and you will take your lumps for sure, but the payoff for ministering where you are and where you are sent will be worth it all. Who knows what work God has done there in preparation? Don’t be afraid to minister in the dangerous places. -Pastor Mike

BTW, this year, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to read more. I’ve already taken a step in the right direction. I turned on the subtitles.