Daily Devotionals

Escaping Ordinary Week 8: Friday

"Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him." Acts 8:30-31

If we want to live extraordinary lives, we have to be observant. After all, observation makes us aware of the needs around us. This is particularly true when it comes to sharing our faith. If we want to spread the good news of Jesus, we must intentionally look for hurting and hopeless in our community.

In Acts chapter 8, the treasurer for the queen of Ethiopia was sitting in his chariot, reading from the book of Isaiah. When he saw this man reading from the book of Isaiah, Philip did two things. The first thing he did was run to this man. He did not just walk to this man. He literally ran. The second thing he did was ask a simple question: “Do you understand what you are reading?” (verse 30). The response to this Ethiopian man should simultaneously give us hope and break our hearts: “how can I, unless someone instructs me?” (verse 31). The heartbreaking thing about his response is that he was waiting for someone to teach him about Scripture, and no one had taken the time to do so. The hopeful part of his response is that he was waiting, ready for someone to teach him. What is seen next in this interaction between Philip and this Ethiopian man brings tears to my eyes. Philip sat next to the man and “told him the Good News about Jesus” (verse 35). Then, the Ethiopian asked to be baptized as they rode and talked. How beautiful is that?

If there is anything that we can learn from this story in Acts chapter 8, it’s that people are waiting to be taught about God and the Bible. As followers of Christ, we have the Good News of Jesus that people are waiting to hear. Perhaps someone is just waiting for you to ask, “Do you understand what you are reading?” My friends, people are waiting for someone to take the time to share their faith with them. Will you boldly and confidently be the one who will share it?

Moving toward action

Commit to being observant today as you go throughout your day. Look for people searching for answers about Jesus. Ask God to open your eyes. Pray for opportunities to come. Then, when God opens the doors to a conversation, make the most of it! Be prepared and ready to share the hope of Jesus with anyone and everyone.

Going Deeper

Acts 8:32-40 (NLT)

"The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter.
And as a lamb is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
33 He was humiliated and received no justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”

34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.

36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.

39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea."