Fan the Flame - A Journey Through ActsSample

Day 19 - Philip & the Ethiopian

In Acts 8:26-40, we learned that Philip obeyed the call of God (through the angel) and traveled down from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he met the Ethiopian eunuch on his way in the desert. Despite his position as an important official in charge of the treasury of the queen of the Ethiopians, the Ethiopian eunuch had a burning desire to know God. In fact, he was returning from worship in Jerusalem when Philip ran up to him and asked about whether he understood the Book of Isaiah that he was reading. He was curious to have Philip interpret the passage to him, and he later willingly asked Philip to baptise him after he had received the Word as truth.

It's not only the Ethiopian eunuch’s curiosity to receive salvation that amazes me, but also Philip’s willingness to obey God and get out of his comfort zone to the desert to win a “lone soul” to God. Like in the case of Jonah, Philip had the opportunity to disobey God and remain in the city of Samaria, where he had already led the whole city to Christ and received huge respect and honour. He could have asked God to train and send one of the new believers or even send one of the experienced apostles while he remains in Samaria to enjoy the fruit of his labour. Instead, he obeyed the call of God, even when it required him to go beyond his comfort zone.

We are called to preach this gospel, not only in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, or wherever we feel comfortable, but also to the uttermost part of the earth. I know it feels good serving in a ministry that’s going really well. I know how good it feels to preach in a country or community where you feel comfortable. But is this the Lord’s calling for you? Obey God’s call, even if you’re called to go on a mission that’s beyond your comfort zone. Get out of your comfort zone and preach this gospel wherever the Lord will lead you. Like the Ethiopian eunuch, there are people out there who have the burning desire to receive salvation, but no one has gone out to them to preach this good news, which has the power to save.

Pray that God helps you recognise His voice and obey His calling. Pray that the Lord equips you to go out and preach this gospel, even beyond your comfort zone. Pray that God will give you understanding to know that one soul is important to God as a thousand souls. There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repented than ninety-nine that need no repentance.

Written by Godfrey Egwu