What an interesting account. Philip had some help, didn’t he? First, he received an angelic message to go down a certain road. Then the Holy Spirit told him what carriage to walk by. Later the Holy Spirit showed up and whisked him away. I wonder how many people have angelic visits and don’t realize it and possibly even miss an assignment from God. Philip was obedient, and God opened a beautiful opportunity for him to share the Gospel.
God can open opportunities like this for us, too. We need to be ready. We need to be listening. One of the reasons I call this devotional blog “BE STILL” is to remind us to listen for God. We can get so busy in our lives and so caught up in the noise of society. We often miss hearing the voice of God speaking to us. Had Philip not heard, the treasurer of Ethiopia would not have learned about Jesus and been baptized that day. I hate to think of how many people I’ve not told about Jesus because I was just too busy.
I was blessed to hear this man had come to Jerusalem to worship. That was quite a trek – around one thousand miles! He was surely devoted and sincere. He was now on his way home, still spending time in God’s word. He was connecting with his creator and about to meet his Savior through Philip’s testimony. It’s good for us to be reminded of how prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus. God’s beautiful plan unfolds before us. The eunuch was so open and eager to learn. It’s so refreshing when you meet someone like that who really wants to grow deeper.
I’ve always wondered why the Holy Spirit whisked Philip away at that moment. I suppose it’s because Philip’s work was done. There would be no awkward goodbyes. After all, Philip didn’t plan to go to Ethiopia that day. They would have had to part ways eventually. Instead, God placed Philip, by means of teleporting (is that even a word), to an entirely different location. Having recently watching the movie, “A Wrinkle in Time” I imagine a similar kind of experience, although Philip didn’t cross time (that we know of), just space.
God has a plan for each of us. What are we doing to try and discover what that is? Maybe we are the message giver, or perhaps we are needing the message of truth ourselves. Prayer is a good way of connecting with God. But it can’t just be a one-way conversation. We need to take time to listen. Take time now to just reflect and ask God how he’d like you spend your day. Don’t jump up immediately. Rest in his presence.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for this day you’ve given me. May I wait for your leading and be listening for your voice. I feel a peace when I rest in you. I know that you are in control of my life, and I surrender to your will. Help me to close out the noise of doubt, of fear, of worry. Those are only time zappers. Time is a precious gift you have given us. May I spend my time wisely. Open my eyes, my ears and my mouth so that all I see, hear and say are a blessing to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
