Acts 8 - 9.11.24

Scripture

Acts 8:29-30

 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

Observation

In Acts chapter 8, Christ-followers start scattering from Jerusalem due to persecution. Vs. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. They told everyone they saw about Jesus and they prayed for them and they performed miracles. And they spread the news of Jesus throughout the world. And they should continue to be our example!

As I kept reading, I noticed something else.

Vs. 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he did.

Vs 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” So he did.

Then, vs. 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

Because of Philip’s obedience, he was in the right place at the right time to be used by God.

Application

If I really want to be used by God, I need to learn to listen to his promptings and obey. Instead, so many times I justify why I cannot respond. I don’t think Philip knew why he was supposed to go down the desert road and I’m sure he had no idea why the spirit told him to go hang out by a chariot and wait. But he obeyed.

“Philip’s obedience to God indicates why God was able to use him so powerfully. Instead of raising questions about the sense of going out on a desert road, he went. Instead of discussing the wisdom of a strange, lone person approaching an undoubtedly well-protected caravan, he ran up to it. If we wonder why there seems an absence of direction by God in our day, perhaps we need to look at the quality of our obedience.” Asbury Bible Commentary

Prayer

Thank you for this reminder today. Forgive me for the many times that I allow my lack of faith and my excuses to win out over your voice. You have called me and equipped me. Help me to listen to your promptings. If I want to be used by you, I need to learn to listen and obey.

- Debbie Dunn