Acts 8:26-40 – May I Be Baptized?

Yesterday, in Sunday worship, we looked at Matthew 13:1-58.  We talked about the many different parables Jesus taught and what lessons we can glean from them.  We talked about the Parable of the Sower and how he spread the seed on all kinds of ground – the path, where it was rocky, where there were thorns, and on good soil.  He was doing his job – spreading seed.  God then takes it from there and produces a harvest – up to a hundredfold of what was sown!

We also talked about how Christian life is one of sacrifice.  We need to have ears to hear – seeking God through Bible reading and study and through prayer.  We talked about how Jesus had to sacrifice not only His time, but also his community.

In our passage today, it seems Philip has learned these lessons.  Philip heard the Spirit speak.  Philip had spent enough time in prayer and in the Scripture, that he was able to discern what the Spirit was saying and he decided to sacrifice his time and follow the Spirit’s leading.  Philip could have gone along with his day, ignoring the promptings of God.  Philip could have convinced himself it wasn’t really God – it was just his imagination.  But no – Philip knew the voice of God and he was willing to upset his schedule for Him.

Philip was also willing to sow seed in a wide way, sharing “the good news about Jesus” with the eunuch.  This man was from Ethiopia, a Gentile.  Philip could have rejected him, saying he wasn’t fit for what he was reading; but Philip spread seed on all kinds of soil – allowing God to grow the harvest.

Are you willing to let God rearrange your schedule today?  If He prompts you to do something unplanned, are you willing to take a detour for Him?  The Christian life requires sacrifice.

Are you biased when sharing your faith?  Do you only share your faith with those who you think “are ready,” aka “good soil?”  Or are you spreading seed everywhere you go – allowing God to grow the harvest?

We need to share our faith, our story, our God with everyone!  We never know when someone, like the eunuch, is ready to make a commitment to Jesus.  If we aren’t willing to sacrifice, we might miss the harvest!!

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy