March 12, 2009 - Acts 8:31

“’How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:31.
The Ethiopian Eunuch, traveling home from Israel, was reading from, but not understanding, the book of Isaiah, when Philip came upon him on the desert road in Gaza. After a brief conversation, he invited Philip up into his chariot, and asked him to explain the book to him. This powerful eunuch from the Ethiopian court was open, inquisitive, and desired to learn Philip’s perspective. And on Philip’s part, he was very likely beginning to realize that this meeting was the reason for his journey.
I am not certain that Philip understood the full implication of this encounter. He did not have the advantage of history and did not know that this was the beginning of the Ethiopian Church, which is still in existence today, and that the message of Jesus was now going to spread to the huge continent of Africa – all from this one, brief encounter.
As I live each day, I don’t understand the potential effects that may result from each encounter. I don’t have the vibrant expectancy that characterized the early church – that each meeting I have throughout the day holds incredible potential and power for God’s purposes. Many times, I slide through the day, or, worse, I bounce around like a pinball, reacting to various situations. What happened to Philip is very instructive, for he began his journey by receiving instructions from God. This probably came as a result of his seeking God and desiring to serve Him whole-heartedly. Philip began with seeking God, and his vibrancy and expectancy came from that seeking.
Questions to consider: How do you view the encounters you have with others throughout your day? Do you see God’s hand at work in them, or, as I have experienced, do you slide through your day? What would it take for you to view your encounters as God directed?
Prayer: Father, help me to be strengthened in my quiet moments with You, so that I would be more adequately prepared in my daily encounters with others. Help me to be aware when You desire to use me to touch others, even though I may never know the full effects of the encounter. Amen.