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Scripture: Acts 8:26–40
Key Verse: “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. Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.” (Acts 8:30–31, 35)
For most of us, it feels a bit overwhelming to share the Good News of Jesus with others. But God gives us a great example in Philip of how it can be done relationally in the who, where, and what of our everyday lives. First, just as Philip climbed up into the chariot with the eunuch, I believe each of us is called to get involved in the lives of those God brings along our paths. Look around and ask yourself who God has placed around you to whom you could reach out.
Second, the Scripture notes that Philip began with ‘the very passage of Scripture’ that the Ethiopian was reading. Where do we start with people around us who are on our heart and for whom we care? At the very place they are. Join them on their journey, listen to them, share life with them, laugh and/or cry with them. And finally, what to tell them is the Good News (see verse 35). You don’t need to be a theologian, just tell them of Jesus’s involvement in your life, and how he has changed you. And let God do the rest, just as he did for Philip and Ethiopian eunuch. Trust Jesus to help you make use of the opportunities you have to share the Good News with others in your life.
Consider
Is there someone’s “chariot” into which God might be inviting you to climb? Are you willing to take to God the fears you have about sharing with others your relationship with Jesus? Ask God to help you trust him and give you courage.
Practice
Write down your story of how you came to know Jesus and how this relationship has changed your life. Try to be as specific as you can. Then verbally share it with a Christian brother or sister to help you be ready to do the same when God provides you with the opportunity to tell others.
Chat
Abba Father, help me to see that telling my faith story is really just sharing the truth of what you have done in my life. Give me opportunities to do this, the courage to follow through, and the faith to know that it is your Holy Spirit and not my words that changes lives. Amen.
