Day 96: Phillip Takes the Opportunity

Acts 8:26-40; Joshua 1-2; Job 21

The story about the Ethiopian and Phillip is interesting because it demonstrates how people are searching for spiritual things, and how, as believers, we should address those who are searching.  The Ethiopian was a man of rank, but still needed to be spiritually fed.  He didn’t understand what he was reading, but he was seeking anyway.  Phillip didn’t assume anything about him, but listened to God speaking in his heart, and took the opportunity given to him.  Instead of bypassing him because of his status or because he looked like he knew what he was doing, Phillip engaged him in conversation.  People may learn about Jesus by picking up their Bible and reading the New Testament, but many will never pick up a Bible unless someone first tells them about Jesus.  It is essential that we believers live out and talk about our faith.  Talking about it with people, starting up spiritual conversations, is something I need to work on.  Sometimes I go about my day thinking I’m being a good example, until I realize that there are a lot of “nice people” who aren’t Christians.  How am I being any different unless I share the love story of Christ?

The words that Job says the unbelievers said then sound eerily familiar to what unbelievers say now:  “Leave us alone!  Don’t bother us with your teachings.  What do we gain from praying and worshiping you?  We succeeded all on our own.”  What is sometimes frustrating to Christians is that people who don’t follow Christ still seem blessed.  They may have wealth, good health, seemingly care-free lives, lots of friends, etc.  However, what of that will last into eternity?  What of that feeds their soul?  As followers of the Lord, we need to have an eternal perspective.  The stuff we can see will not last.  Just look around:  after a few years, things begin to fall apart, decay, break.  What are the things that get stronger over time?  Faith, love, joy.