13 June 2023 – What have I learned today?
Acts Chapter 8: Verses 26-29 (NLT)
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian[a] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
Acts Chapter 8: Verses 34-49 (NLT)
The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
God plans everything for us in detail. Sometimes the execution of those plans depends on our obedience to His nudging. Philip was obedient to the Holy Spirit’s direction which meant that the Ethiopian official heard the Gospel and was baptised. Their encounter was very short, and only a one-off, but it changed the Ethiopian’s life, and brought Christianity to his country, all because of Philip’s obedience!
Christians don’t believe in things being “just a coincidence”, rather that they are a “God-incidence.” Sometimes, as in the case of Philip, God will direct someone to cross our path to speak to us, and encourage us in our faith. Sometimes God Himself will arrange circumstances to ensure that His plans for us are outworked. And sometimes He might even use us to encourage someone else. But we need to be as obedient as Philip if we feel the Holy spirit’s nudge on our spirits. What a blessing it is to be able to encourage and strengthen others. The Bible tells us that the official went on his way rejoicing. I’m sure that in his heart, Philip was rejoicing too.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the plans You have for me. Thank You too for every blessing I have received through others who have been obedient to Your direction. Help me also to be obedient and to heed the Holy spirit’s leading and direction for my life. I ask in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.