SCRIPTURE: Acts 8:26-40
OBSERVATION:
The Lord directs Philip by an angel and by His Spirit to this receptive seeker. Philip does not create an evangelistic moment, he joins in where the Lord is already at work. It is interesting that Philip proceeds with baptism directly, it would take a much longer ecclesiastical process today (classes, approval, in a church service). Philip moves on (by the Spirit) to other opportunities, while the new believer is left on his own, just him and the Father, the Son, the Spirit, i.e. not alone!
APPLICATION:
Philip responds to the Lord’s leading, joins the Lord in what He is doing. We are much more controlling, trying to plan, orchestrate and control the process. This eunuch would have had a much tougher time with us, also because he was a eunuch. Is it our duty to screen those who are baptized (what about Simon, vv.9-25), or to allow their fruit to reveal their heart. Easy to ‘get in’, but then accountability and discipline; today its hard to ‘get in’, but once in, there is little accountability and discipline.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to sense the opportunities You provide me, to trust that its in Your hands, to be available and ready. And help us to be less controlling, more open to what You are doing in us and others. Amen.