GETTING INTO THE CHARIOT
“Philip ran up and heard the man reading the prophet Isaiah, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “Well, how could I [understand] unless someone guides me [correctly]?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
…Acts 8:30-31.”
The story of the Ethiopian eunuch is so wonderful, and it not only concerns Him, but also Philip, who was obedient to God’s voice. Remember that he was in the middle of the Samaritan revival when God told him to go to the desert.
I want us to focus on these verses. God wants us to know that there are lots of people around today that are searching deeply. They are reading the Bible and want to know more about God, but like the Ethiopian they have no one that will share it with them. What would have happened if Philip hadn’t obeyed God’s voice and been on that desert road?
Philip did two things, the first was that he ran up to the chariot and there was urgency in what he did. Let me ask you this. Do you have an urgency to share the gospel and a deep passion for the lost? Secondly, he heard what the Ethiopian was saying. We need to keep our ears open, and mouths shut my brothers and sisters.
People are talking all the time, people are hurting. They are seeking answers. The phone is ringing for the church but they refuse to answer it. We need to be aware of what people need. Philip was looking at the Ethiopian and he wanted someone who could answer his questions.
Philip was invited into the chariot, and he could have said, “Oh that’s uncomfortable, it’s a rocky road and there’s only room for one”. We need to get into the chariot of people’s lives and get involved with them. We need to share Christ and not wait and say maybe someone else will do it.
We have to be aware that it was the Ethiopian who invited Philip into the chariot. Philip did not force his way into it and likewise, we need to wait until we are invited. We are not to force ourselves on people, God will open people’s hearts, and it is up to us to be ready and willing to seize the opportunity when he does.
Look at the result of Philip’s obedience, it wasn’t only the eunuch that was saved, but the gospel was spread to the whole nation. At this point in history, there are over 10 million believers in Ethiopia, all because of one man’s obedience to God’s call. Are you seeking those lost souls who are seeking the Savior? Are you listening to those who are seeking the Savior?
Are you prepared to get into their chariot and share Christ?
God bless you, Keith