Diaspora: People on the Move, God at WorkSample

Lesson 1: Why Does God Move People?

You are preparing to embark on a trip through scripture to help you better understand how God works in our world today. The lens through which we approach the scripture during this study is "people on the move" or "diaspora" people. The term 'diaspora' is a biblical term often used to describe God’s people outside of Jerusalem. But beyond the Jewish diaspora, this idea is significant in God's plan of redemption for all people.

The Apostle Peter writes, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Pet 1:1 ESV).”

Did you catch that? We, followers of Jesus, are diaspora people! We are God’s people, chosen by Him with a heavenly homeland but scattered all over this world. In other words, a diaspora is a group of people from a specific location living in places that are not their homeland: people scattered, people on the move.

In this study, we will see that God is at work when people are on the move. From Genesis to Revelation, God is working through and in people on the move to bring glory to His name.

Why is this important?

At this time in history, more people are on the move in the diaspora than ever before. God is moving millions of people from unreached people groups from gospel-deprived and restricted areas to places where they have more access to believers. Furthermore, God is moving vibrant communities of believers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to North America and Europe. In doing so, we are seeing a revitalization of faith in these areas.

The final questions for us to consider today are: Why, Who, and What?

• Why are people on the move?
• Who has appointed these people to be on the move?
• What is the purpose of people on the move?
• What opportunity is God inviting us into?

After reading today’s scripture and answering these questions, pray and ask God to give you a vision of what He is doing in the world today. Ask how He wants you to respond.