The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 may seem like an old story, but if we take a fresh look at it, we can see it is a reminder of how God draws us to Him. His goal is for everyone to come to know Him (2 Peter 3:9) and He is willing to go great distances to make that happen.
Philip had been doing good work in Samaria, but God called him from that to go to a desert road. A quick response was crucial. The person he needed to meet would only be there for a short time. There was not a minute to waste. God was putting perfectly timed puzzle pieces together.
With clear directions, Philip set out on his way. The Ethiopian “just happened” to be there sitting in his chariot. And he “just happened” to be reading the book of Isaiah. The official had been to Jerusalem to worship. We see the Holy Spirit was already at work, drawing and stirring his heart.
The Spirit told Philip, “Go to the chariot and stay near it.” Philip didn’t drag his feet; he RAN to the chariot. (Extra points for that, Philip. It can be scary speaking to someone about Jesus.)
Philip hurried to the chariot and asked a question: “What are you reading?” So many good gospel conversations can start with a question.
A few weeks ago, at an event in Louisville, I met a young lady named Emma. We chitchatted as she was setting up lunch.
When she was finished, I walked out with her. I didn’t have a Bible verse card or tract to give her. There was no time for the Roman Road Scriptures or paper to draw out the Three Circles plan of salvation. So, I asked a question: “Do you go to church anywhere?”
She didn’t and had NEVER, EVER been. Not once. As we talked, she told me she had been thinking about it, even talking about it to her husband. The Lord was already working!
I invited her to the church where we were standing, letting her know I had just met the pastor and liked him but had already known and loved the pastor’s wife. “This may be a great place for you to try.”
“OK,” she answered with a smile. “Thanks!” she called back as she went to her car. She thanked me for inviting her to church.
We encounter people every day who are burdened, struggling, in crisis and confused. We know what they need. We know WHO they need! In the moment we may struggle with the right words – fearful we will screw it all up. While we may not have time to lay out the entire plan of salvation and end with a prayer, like Philip we can open the door with a question.
Of course, there will be times for full conversations. Until then, we can smile, know it’s a spiritual connection and ask a question. Invite people to Jesus by inviting them to church.
“Do you go to church anywhere?” might be the beginning of a great conversation.
After their perfectly timed meeting, Philip and the Ethiopian never saw each other again. That day the Lord had put them together for eternal purposes.