Making Disciples, Teaching Obedience

 

Now man angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:26-31 ESV).

 

It’s easier to be obedient when it’s my idea. When it is someone else who commands the action, it is much more difficult. And, when it is counter-intuitive, well, that’s nearly impossible. Obedience, even when counter-intuitive, involves submitting to authority or a command despite it seeming illogical or against one's instincts. This often requires trusting the source of the command, even if the reason isn't immediately clear, and acting on it. It can be challenging because it goes against the human desire for autonomy and understanding, but it always leads to positive spiritual growth.  

 

The Ethiopian in our reading today was a prominent official. He had charge of his queen’s treasury. He was also a God-fearing man and was returning from Jerusalem, where he had gone to worship God. During the long chariot ride home he occupied himself by reading from the book of Isaiah. As the man struggled to understand what it all meant, God connected him with a teacher.

 

God sent an angel to direct Philip to the desert road heading south. Philip obeyed, and the Spirit urged him to approach the chariot of the Ethiopian official. As Philip heard the man reading, his heart opened to engage with him over the Scriptures. Philip asked a loving question: “Do you understand what you are reading?”

 

Because Philip was obedient in following God’s leading, he was given the opportunity to see God’s transformative power in the life of this man from a foreign land. It certainly was a direct question, though I sense a gentleness coming from Philip. I wonder if God may be working in your life directing you to an Ethiopian traveling in your path. Be bold in your confidence to trust the Spirit’s leading. Trust the Spirit to guide you.