Tuesday, January 3, 2023

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.” 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Acts 8:26-29

The last few years have exposed us—made obvious our addiction to being temporally fulfilled or even running to the things of God for fulfillment, yet still missing him. Our props and rituals were our gods, but we didn’t know it until they were removed. We realized quickly that so many of our desires were wound up in things that looked spiritual. And when the coast became halfway clear, we found ourselves trying to erect those things again. It is time for us to rebuild a desire based on our love for Christ, alone.

Acts 8 begins with Stephen’s martyrdom which ushers in a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. Many believers scattered, but the apostles remained there. Philip, Deacon turned evangelist, went into the city of Samaria to preach Christ. He had crowds following him, as he proclaimed both the Word of God and demonstrated the works of the Holy Spirit, but God took him away from the miracles and the crowd to meet this eunuch. This man’s desire for God certainly got his attention.

How much do you desire God? How much do you desire to know his Word? Do you want to know what is on God’s mind and heart? Have you asked him what part He wants you to play in his plan?

PRAYER: Lord, I see how you responded to this man who sought you. Give me a zeal and passion for you and the things you consider important. In the name of Jesus, I praise you. Amen.