The Unexpected

Think about a time when you unexpectedly met or encountered an interesting person. Did someone immediately pop into your mind? Is it a good recollection or not? Sometimes a one’s personality takes us by surprise, and it takes a little while for us to get used to them. And sometimes, once we accept them for who they are, we become friends!

There is an interesting story in the Bible about such an encounter.
Philip was a Christ follower. God sent an angel to instruct him to, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” What would you do if you had been given such a specific message from God? The Bible account says Philip, “Got up and went!” Good job, Philip!

The account continues as Philip encounters an interesting person, “Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah.”

This is unusual that a person from a distant land would be reading a Jewish holy book. Most likely God was preparing him for this encounter! Once again, God provides direction. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him.

Philip’s day is not unfolding like he expected it to! We commend Philip for responding to God’s prompting rather than making excuses. Philip could have hidden from the approaching stranger. He could have simply said, “Have a nice day!” and kept on walking. But he noticed what the stranger was reading and stepped in and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”  That was brave! God job, Philip! That was God-directed, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Eunuch was reading a section of scripture that talked about a man who humbly sacrificed his life for the benefit of others. He asked Philip who this person was and Philip simply and confidently told him about Jesus giving his life for the sins of everyone else. The message hit home for the Eunuch. He believed it! They approached some water and he asked Philip to baptize him so Philip did.

The account says the Eunuch went on his way rejoicing! Do you think he kept it to himself? I doubt it. In his joy he would have told others about Jesus and what he has done for them. You can read this entire account in Acts 8:26-39. It will inspire you!

The Ethiopian eunuch is definitely an interesting character. Because Philip responded to God’s leading, great things happened. Here are some questions to consider:

• How would you describe the eunuch?
• What cultural barriers likely separated the Ethiopian and Philip? What common ground did they share?
• An important part of this account is initiative. How did each of the following take initiative: God, Philip, The Ethiopian
• Why did the Ethiopian invite Philip to join him in his chariot?
• What might we learn from Philip about the “interesting people opportunities” God puts in our path?

Closing Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, we ask that you provide for and help us to recognize “divine appointments” like that of the Ethiopian and Philip. Help us joyfully and comfortably share about our relationship with You through the leading of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.