The book of Acts presents us with the story of how the good news would spread out after the event of Pentecost. Jesus did command his disciples to reach out to nations extending to the ends of the earth. As Luke was writing Acts, we discover how this outreach becomes a reality.
It is a tall order. Maybe you have had some anxiety or even wonder who might cross your path to whom you could share the Gospel. You never know whom God will place before you as a divine assignment.
This brings me to the story this Sunday (Acts 8:26-40) about Philip being directed by both an angel and the Holy Spirit to minister to an Ethiopian traveler making his way from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip is magically transported to meet up with this Ethiopian as he is riding in his chariot and is reading from the prophet Isaiah. We then have this exchange: "He (Philip) asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' He (the Ethiopian) replied, "How can I unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him." (Acts 8:30-31) Philip then began to explain the text from Isaiah that this foreigner was reading.
There are people today searching the Scriptures and will undoubtedly need some guidance. This is where you and I come in. We never know when in casual conversation someone might quote a passage from Scripture and need spiritual help in understanding the text as it might relate to a situation in their life. This is where we can be like Philip and be God's agents. God desires to reach out to all kinds of people - even beyond whatever prejudices we might have.
I would invite you to be attentive to the people around you - people whom God might place in your path. Will you be willing to lead them further in their understanding of the faith?
It is a tall order. Maybe you have had some anxiety or even wonder who might cross your path to whom you could share the Gospel. You never know whom God will place before you as a divine assignment.
This brings me to the story this Sunday (Acts 8:26-40) about Philip being directed by both an angel and the Holy Spirit to minister to an Ethiopian traveler making his way from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip is magically transported to meet up with this Ethiopian as he is riding in his chariot and is reading from the prophet Isaiah. We then have this exchange: "He (Philip) asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' He (the Ethiopian) replied, "How can I unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him." (Acts 8:30-31) Philip then began to explain the text from Isaiah that this foreigner was reading.
There are people today searching the Scriptures and will undoubtedly need some guidance. This is where you and I come in. We never know when in casual conversation someone might quote a passage from Scripture and need spiritual help in understanding the text as it might relate to a situation in their life. This is where we can be like Philip and be God's agents. God desires to reach out to all kinds of people - even beyond whatever prejudices we might have.
I would invite you to be attentive to the people around you - people whom God might place in your path. Will you be willing to lead them further in their understanding of the faith?
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