Reimagine Acceptance Through the Life of Philipنموونە

The Joy of Obedience

When was the last time you experienced the kind of joy that doesn’t come from getting what you want, but from doing exactly what God called you to do? Not fleeting happiness, but deep, soul-level joy—the kind that wells up when your life is fully aligned with God’s will.

The Ethiopian eunuch’s response to the gospel was immediate and wholehearted. After hearing the good news from Philip, he spotted water and exclaimed, “Look, here is water! What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (Acts 8:36, NIV). There was no delay, no second-guessing. Both men went down into the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot.

What happened next is crazy. The Spirit of the Lord suddenly whisked Philip away, and the eunuch “went on his way rejoicing.” Pause and let that sink in: a man who had been confused and searching just moments earlier was now filled with joy, even after the person who led him to Jesus had disappeared.

This tells us something profound about genuine transformation: it produces lasting joy—joy that doesn’t rely on favorable circumstances. The eunuch’s joy came from within, rooted in his new life in Christ, not from Philip’s ongoing presence.

Meanwhile, Philip found himself in Azotus. Rather than being confused or concerned about the sudden relocation, or worried about the new believer he’d left behind, he simply kept doing what he was called to do: sharing the gospel with whomever God put in his life.

Both men model beautiful obedience. The eunuch obeyed the call to be baptized immediately. Philip obeyed God’s direction without hesitation, even when it made no sense in the moment. Neither of them demanded a full explanation. They simply trusted and acted.

When we follow God’s leading, even when it feels inconvenient or unclear, we join Him in His transforming work. That obedience brings deep satisfaction—the joy of knowing you’re exactly where God wants you.

Church tradition suggests that the Ethiopian carried the gospel back to Africa, becoming one of the first to bring Christianity to his nation. One moment of obedience had a generational impact.

Your obedience today—whether it’s as dramatic as Philip’s journey or as simple as reaching out to a neighbor—matters more than you realize. When you say yes to God, you join His redemptive story. And like the eunuch who went away rejoicing, you’ll discover that the joy of obedience is one of life’s greatest treasures.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there an area where God is calling you to immediate obedience, like the Ethiopian’s baptism?
2. How might your obedience today impact not just your life but the lives of others?

Prayer:
Father, give me the joy that comes from walking in obedience to You. Help me trust Your leading, even when I don’t understand. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

As we finish part one of the Reimagine series, we pray Philip’s story helped you experience more of God’s radical and inclusive love. May it inspire you to welcome others as Christ has welcomed you. Join us for part two as we explore how Paul’s life reveals the power of transformation. And be sure to follow The Crossing on YouVersion to see our full library of plans available.