March 26, 2009 - Acts 8:35

“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” Acts 8:35.
Philip had been invited up into the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot in order to help the eunuch understand what he was reading. By “coincidence”, he was reading from the book of Isaiah, chapter 53. In this passage, Isaiah tells of the person who, like a sheep being led to the slaughter, willingly humbled himself to the point of death for justice to be served for the many. As the eunuch read this, he did not understand and needed help to see who Isaiah was talking about. Since the events around Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection were so fresh, Philip knew exactly the meaning of this passage, and he began telling the eunuch the great story of Jesus.
Philip did not have the luxury of having his NIV (or whatever translation!) Study Bible, with all of the notes, charts, and maps, to assist him. He spoke to this man from his memory and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, starting with the scroll that the eunuch had with him. He told the story, from his perspective, as he sensed God leading him.
I wonder how many times I have held back from sharing the story of Jesus when God has given me opportunity. Unfortunately, it is probably many more times than I would care to remember! Often times in the past, I have felt that I was not adequately prepared to share the story. I was sure that I did not know enough scripture, or I was not sure if I had properly interpreted the scriptures. The truth of the matter was that I was fearful of being rejected by my audience!
I have, more recently, become more “freed up” to tell the story of Jesus. It has been exciting to see what God is doing and how He is leading, and to then for me to follow after Him.
Questions to consider: Does anything hold you back from sharing the story of Jesus? If so, how can you begin to overcome it? Do you remember times when God led you to someone to share the story of Jesus? What did that feel like?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see what You are doing and how You are leading, and help me to follow after that. Give me boldness, when I need it, to share Your story, and give me patience when I need to wait on You. Amen.